The Red Sox have added some support for their injury-ravaged pitching staff, inking deals with two veteran hurlers.
The team announced Friday that right-handers Jose Contreras and Brandon Lyon have been signed to minor league contracts. Both will be available to pitch for Triple-A Pawtucket on Friday night.
Contreras was a highly touted commodity after defecting from his native Cuba in 2002, but he has never been able to find prolonged success in the majors.
Since entering the league with the Yankees, the 41-year-old has spent time with the White Sox, Rockies, Phillies and Pirates, who released him Thursday. Contreras’ best years came in Chicago, where he won a World Series ring in 2005 and earned an All-Star selection in 2006.
Contreras has spent the majority of this season in the minors, posting a 1.54 ERA in 19 relief appearances across three levels. He appeared in seven games for the Pirates prior to his release, allowing five runs on seven hits and six walks over five innings.
Lyon will be making a return to Boston, having appeared in 49 games for the Red Sox in 2003, his lone season with the club. The 33-year-old has seen action in 37 games for the Mets this season, recording a 4.98 ERA and 1.63 WHIP. He was designated for assignment on July 4 and released five days later.
