Phillies sign Elarton to minor league deal

Philadelphia, PA – The Philadelphia Phillies have signed eight players to minor league contracts, including veteran pitcher Scott Elarton.

The right-hander last pitched in the majors in 2008 with Cleveland, and last pitched professionally in 2010, when he made 16 appearances for the Chicago White Sox's Triple-A affiliate.

Elarton has pitched in 232 major league games (170 starts) in 10 seasons with Houston, Colorado, Cleveland and Kansas City. The 35-year-old owns a career 56-61 record and 5.29 earned run average.

Additionally, the Phillies signed outfielder Scott Podsednik; pitchers Brian Sanches, Raul Valdes and Pat Misch; infielders Kevin Frandsen and Pete Orr; and catcher Tuffy Gosewisch to minor league deals.

Sanches posted a 3.94 ERA in 39 appearances (two starts) for the Marlins last season, while the rest of the players signed spent most or all of last year in the minor leagues.

Valdes appeared in 13 games for the Cardinals and Yankees, while Misch made six appearances for the Mets. Orr hit .219 in 46 games for the Phillies.

The Phillies extended an invitation to major league spring training to all eight players.