Red Sox sign reliever Tony Pena Jr.

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The Boston Red Sox have signed free-agent reliever Tony Pena Jr. to a minor league contract, with an invitation to spring training, according to a source familiar with the contract.

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The 29-year-old Pena spent most of his career as a shortstop for the Braves and Royals, but was converted to a pitcher by Kansas City in 2009. He spent last season pitching in the Giants' system, where he appeared in 53 games in Double-A and Triple-A, all in relief.

He had a 2.53 ERA and six saves in 29 appearances for Double-A Richmond but struggled (6.60 ERA) in 24 games with Triple-A Fresno. Overall, he struck out 62 in 76 1/3 innings.

Pena's father caught for the Red Sox for four years, from 1990 to 1993.

Senior writer Jayson Stark covers baseball for ESPN.com.

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Jayson Stark | email

Senior Writer, ESPN.com

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• Senior writer for ESPN.com
• 21 years at the Philadelphia Inquirer
• Author of two baseball books