OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) - Right-hander Russ Springer agreed to a $3.3 million, one-year contract with the Oakland Athletics on Thursday, joining his eighth major league team as he heads into his 17th season.
Springer went 2-1 with a 2.32 ERA last season for St. Louis, ranking eighth among NL relievers in ERA. The 40-year-old pitcher held right-handed hitters to a .176 average.Springer, who began his career with the New York Yankees in 1992, hasn't started a game since 1996. He won a career-high eight games for the Cardinals in 2007.
In addition to his base salary, Springer can earn $300,000 in performance bonuses.
Oakland released right-hander Andrew Brown to make room for Springer on the 40-man roster. Brown, who was 1-0 with a 3.09 ERA last season, missed much of last year because of an appendectomy and shoulder soreness.
