The Blue Jays have signed veteran pitcher Jeff Francis to a minor league deal, Brendan Kennedy of the Toronto Star reports. The deal includes an invitation to spring training.
Francis, who turns 34 in January, was well-traveled in 2014, spending time with the Reds, Athletics, and Yankees, though he only accrued 20 innings in the majors. He finished with an aggregate 5.85 ERA with a 15/3 K/BB ratio. At Triple-A Louisville with the Reds, Francis compiled a 3.33 ERA with a 45/12 K/BB ratio in 48 2/3 innings.
Francis will serve as starting pitching depth for the Blue Jays, likely starting the season with Triple-A Buffalo.