Royals, Mota agree to minor-league deal
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The Royals added an experienced arm on Thursday to compete for a spot in the bullpen this year, signing 40-year-old Guillermo Mota to a minor-league deal, the team announced.
(Cont.) Since he began his career in 1999, only 5 other pitchers have more relief appearances than Mota’s 743. #Royals
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) January 16, 2014
Mota, whose 743 career appearances rank sixty-eighth all-time, has twice been suspended for violating MLB's drug policy, including a 100-game ban that he incurred in 2012 while playing for the Giants. The seasoned veteran didn't pitch in the majors last year, but has 14 years of big-league experience.
Mota fashioned a 5.23 ERA with a 1.55 WHIP over 26 appearances with the Giants in 2012, though he averaged a career-best 10.5 strikeout per nine innings.