Arizona Diamondbacks sign Adam Russell to a minor league deal
By David Miniel
The Arizona Diamondbacks signed right handed relief pitcher Adam Russell to a minor league contract with an invitation to Spring Training. Russell made the announcement himself on Twitter.
Happy to let everyone know I signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks recently. Grateful for another year playing a game I love. #blessed
— Adam Russell (@AdamRussell36) November 28, 2013
Russell was drafted by Florida Marlins in the 26th round in the 2001 MLB draft but he decided to play college baseball at the Ohio University. After playing college ball for three years, he was finally ready for the next level.
The Chicago White Sox drafted him in the sixth round during the 2004 MLB draft as the 179th overall pick. He went 4-2 with a 3.75 ERA in 17 appearances with six starts under his belt between the Rookie-Level and Class-A. He was later promoted that year and went 4-0 with a 2.37 ERA.
He was traded in 2009 to the San Diego Padres which involved Aaron Poreda, Clayton Richards and Dexter Carter in exchange for lefty Jake Peavy. He appeared in 15 games for the Padres where he posted a 3-1 win/loss record and a 3.65 EAR across 12 1/3 innings of work.
Russell was later traded to the Tampa Bay Rays that brought over Jason Bartlett but was later designated for assignment. He’s bounced around from the Atlanta Braves to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim before landing with the Baltimore Orioles last season.
The 30 year old righty agree’d to a minor league contract with the O’s and was assigned to their Triple-A affiliate. Russell posted a 2.37 ERA in 60 2/3 innings of work. If he’s able to put up a great performance during the spring, there’s no reason why he shouldn’t be able to crack the Opening Day roster.