Twins sign OF Murphy to Minor League deal

MINNEAPOLIS -- With their offense struggling to open the season, the Twins added some veteran depth by signing outfielder David Murphy to a Minor League contract on Thursday.
Murphy, 34, will report to Triple-A Rochester on Friday. Murphy was with the Red Sox in Spring Training, hitting .265 with three doubles and three RBIs in 15 games.
"He's a good hitter," general manager Terry Ryan said. "He has been a good hitter for quite a long time. The guy's available, and we're struggling, of course. So, we signed him to a Minor League deal, and he's going to play with Rochester a number of games, and we'll see how he looks."
The Twins have scored just 13 runs in opening the season 0-8. Minnesota is a Major-League worst 5-for-61 (.082) with runners in scoring position.
Meanwhile, the starting outfield of Eddie Rosario (.154 average), Byron Buxton (.167) and Miguel Sano (.125) have contributed to the poor start. Buxton, the rookie center fielder, has struck out 13 times in 24 at-bats.
Murphy has played 10 seasons in the Majors, batting .274 with 104 home runs and 472 RBIs in 1,110 games. He split the 2015 season between the Indians and Angels, where he combined to hit .283 with 10 home runs and 50 RBIs in 132 games.
Ryan said the team discussed Murphy when he was released by Boston on March 28.
"We felt pretty good leaving Spring Training the way we were," Ryan said. "So far, it hasn't gone too well, so we've got to have alternatives as well."