Twins sign veteran OF Murphy to minor-league deal

Jun 30, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Cleveland Indians designated hitter David Murphy (7) hits a two run home run during the eighth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Twins have signed veteran outfielder David Murphy to a minor-league deal after a subpar start by their outfielders at the plate.

The 34-year-old Murphy has a .274 career batting average in 10 seasons with the Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers, Cleveland Indians and Los Angeles Angels. He spent six full seasons with the Rangers, hitting a career-best .304 with 15 home runs and 61 RBI in 2012.

Murphy, a lefty, spent the 2015 season with the Indians and Angels, hitting .283 with 10 home runs and 50 RBI in 361 at-bats. He was with the Red Sox during spring training, hitting .265 in 34 at-bats before Boston cut him.

Murphy's signing comes after the Twins outfielders struggled through the first eight games of the season. None has a batting average better than .167 and the unit has produced just 13 hits and three RBI.

Murphy will report to Triple-A Rochester on Friday.