The Minnesota Twins signed free-agent right-hander Patrick Murphy to a minor-league deal on Tuesday. He'll have a multi-inning relief role with the team next year, and his deal will include an invite to spring training. The 27-year-old saw only 5 2/3 innings of relief for the Washington Nationals in 2022, allowing six runs (four earned) on eight hits while walking eight and striking out four. He has a 4.76 ERA (4.05 FIP), a 1.64 WHIP, 38 strikeouts and 20 walks in 39 2/3 relief innings in his three major-league seasons with the Nationals and Toronto Blue Jays. Murphy will be trying to win a spot on the active roster out of spring training, but it's likely that he'll open the 2023 campaign in the minor leagues.
Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Julian Merryweather (oblique) has been playing loss toss, while reliever Patrick Murphy (shoulder) threw an 18-pitch bullpen session on Tuesday and will throw again later this week. Murphy is on the 60-day injured list with a sprained AC joint. Relief pitcher David Phelps (lat) is still waiting for the MRI results on his lat strain. Merryweather was also moved to the 60-day injured list last week, so it'll be a while before he's able to pitch any high-leverage innings for Toronto's bullpen. The 29-year-old struck out seven and walked one with two saves in 4 1/3 scoreless innings to begin the year before his injury. With the Blue Jays bullpen beat up, Merryweather could be in the mix for saves once again when he's ready to return.
Patrick Murphy
• SP
•
Twins
