Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN – The Minnesota Twins announced today that they have signed right-handed pitcherBlake Parker to a one-year contract.
Parker, 33, appeared in 67 games for the Los Angeles Angels last season, going 2-1 with a 3.26 ERA (66.1 IP, 24 ER), 19 walks, 70 strikeouts and a team-leading 14 saves in 17 opportunities.
The Fayetteville, Ark. native was originally drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 16th round of the 2006 First-Year Player Draft out of the University of Arkansas. He has played parts of six seasons in the major leagues with the Cubs, Seattle Mariners, New York Yankees and Angels, combining for a record of 8-7 with a 3.29 ERA (224.1 IP, 82 ER), 24 saves, 68 walks, 256 strikeouts and a .229 opponent batting average. Since the beginning of the 2017 season, Parker ranks tied for seventh in the American League in appearances (138) and tied for 12th in strikeouts among relievers (156).
To make room for Parker on the 40-man roster, the Twins have designated right-handed pitcher John Curtiss for release or assignment. Curtiss, who was drafted by the Twins in the sixth round of the 2014 First-Year Player Draft, appeared in eight games for Minnesota last season, going 0-1 with a 5.68 ERA (6.1 IP, 4 ER), four walks and seven strikeouts.