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          Rays sign several players to minor league deals, issue invites for spring training

          • ESPN.com
          Dec 23, 2016, 04:04 PM

          The Tampa Bay Rays had a busy Thursday, issuing a number of spring training invites and minor league deals.

          The Rays signed free-agent pitcher Dana Eveland to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training. Eveland pitched 23 innings in 33 games for the Rays in 2016, posting a 9.00 ERA.

          Also of note is the Rays' decision to invite non-roster outfielder Jake Bauers to spring training. ESPN's Keith Law ranked Bauers, 21, as No. 9 on his list of the Rays' top 10 prospects earlier this year.

          Rounding out the list of spring training invitees are:

          • RHP Neil Wagner

          • OF Dayron Varona

          • 1B Dalton Kelly

          • 1B Casey Gillaspie

          • C Jonah Heim

          • C Nick Ciuffo

          • RHP Andrew Kittredge

          • RHP Jeff Ames

          • 2B Jake Hager

          • CF Johnny Field

          • 3B Patrick Leonard

          Free agents who signed minor league contracts and are invited to spring training include:

          -- Meaghan Latella