Chicago Cubs Sign Pitcher Horacio Ramirez

The Chicago Cubs have signed veteran pitcher Horacio Ramirez to a minor league contract, according to Carrie Muskat of MLB.com.

Ramirez, a left-handed pitcher, appeared in 12 games out of the bullpen for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in 2011. He finished with a 1-0 record and 6.00 ERA. He's only appeared in 31 Major League games since 2009. Ramirez has also pitched for the Atlanta Braves, Seattle Mariners, Kansas City Royals and Chicago White Sox. His best season came in 2003, his rookie season, when he finished 12-4 with a 4.00 ERA in 29 starts for the Braves.

Ramirez was a full-time starter his first five seasons in the league, making only two relief appearances in that span and compiling a 38-29 record. He's been primarily a reliever since, though, starting only one game in his past four seasons.

Ramirez pitched this season with Lancaster in the Atlantic League, an independent league. He will report to the Cubs' Triple A affiliate in Iowa.

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