Searching for pitchers capable of joining an MLB starting rotation but willing to begin the season in the minor leagues, the New York Mets announced the signings of right-handed pitchers Miguel Batista and Fernando Cabrera to minor league contracts on Tuesday. Both pitchers will be invited to spring training.

The Mets are hopeful that Batista, 40, and Cabrera, 30, can provide pitching depth in the organization, whether that be starting, relieving, with the Mets, or in Triple-A.

Barring injury, Batista is expected to begin the regular season with Triple-A Buffalo. He did show he is still capable of competing at the big league level at the end of last season, when he threw four starts and five relief appearances toward the end of the season, finishing with a 2.64 ERA and 15 strikeouts and 14 walks in 30.2 innings.

Cabrera spent last season in relief duty for the Oakland Athletics' Triple-A affiliate in Sacramento, where he delivered a 2.71 ERA and struck out 73 batters in 63 innings. He is expected to compete for a spot in New York's bullpen.

The Mets also signed minor league shortstop Sean Kazmar.

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