SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Right up until pitchers and catchers reported, the D-backs were still adding veteran relievers, as they signed lefty Brian Matusz and right-hander Kevin Jepsen to Minor League contracts.
Matusz and Jepsen join Tom Wilhelmsen, who signed last week; J.J. Hoover and Keyvius Sampson were inked to Minor League deals during the offseason.
"These guys have been good relievers in the past," general manager Mike Hazen said. "Some have had ups and downs over the last year, some I don't know why they were still out there. We feel good about this group given their history, given their success pitching late in games."
The veterans add depth to what had been a very young group of relievers competing for spots on the roster. Only three teams in the National League had a worse bullpen ERA than the D-backs' 4.94 mark last year.