(Photo credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images)

The Boston Red Sox signed veteran right-hander Adam Ottavino to a minor league contract on Tuesday that includes an invitation to spring training.

This will be Ottavino's second stint with the Red Sox. In 2021, he went 7-3 with a 4.21 ERA and 11 saves in 69 relief appearances.

Now 39, Ottavino gives Boston another arm to fortify its bullpen.

'We're still trying to get better,' Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. 'We've been talking about it the last few days. I think the front office, they've done enough, they've been working. The more, the better.'

Ottavino departed as a free agent after the 2021 campaign and spent the past three seasons with the New York Mets. He had a career-best 12 saves in 2023.

'It helps that I've been here before, and I know (Cora) and I know the trainers and a lot of people in the organization,' Ottavino said. 'So if I'm in a situation to make a club, I'll be given a little more grace initially, since I've been inside the past few months. And also, the upside of the team, you know, it's really good.'

Over 14 seasons, Ottavino is 41-43 with a 3.49 ERA and 46 saves in 721 relief appearances and three starts.

--Field Level Media