February 23, 2012 at 11:29 PM
LHP Hunter Jones rejoins Red Sox
As reported by WEEI.com’s Alex Speier, the Red Sox have
signed left-handed reliever Hunter Jones to
a minor-league contract. He is back with the organization after a two-year
absence.
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| Hunter Jones (Kelly O'Connor) |
Jones, 28, was
originally signed by the Red Sox in 2005 as an amateur free agent out of Florida
State University. He spent five years in the Sox system, reaching the majors
for 11 appearances in 2009. Despite being undrafted due to concerns about an
arm fracture suffered in college, Jones had success in the minors. In 2008, SoxProspects.com
ranked him as high as the #14 prospect in the system. Jones split that season between Double-A
Portland and Triple-A Pawtucket, making 48 appearances out of the bullpen,
compiling a 7-3 record, a 2.45 ERA, and an impressive 9.3 K/9 against only 2.2
BB/9. He made his major league debut on April 20, 2009, pitching a scoreless
ninth inning to finish a 12-1 win against the Orioles.
After the 2009 season,
Jones was traded to the Florida Marlins along with Jose Alvarez
in exchange for Jeremy Hermida.
He injured his left elbow on June 5, 2010, requiring Tommy John surgery. Jones
was released by the Marlins later that season, and spent the 2011 regular
season rehabbing. He returned to the mound in the Venezuelan Winter League,
making four appearances for Aguilas de Zulia.
Jones is likely to
begin the 2012 season with Triple-A Pawtucket.