Phillies sign ex-Pirates Neil Walker, Francisco Liriano to minors deals

Associated Press
Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2020 6:09 p.m. | Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2020 6:09 p.m.

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Christopher Horner | Tribune-Review

Second baseman Neil Walker returns to the Pirates dugout from the field for the final time during the ninth inning of a 4-0 loss to the Cubs in the National League wild-card game Oct. 7, 2015, at PNC Park.

PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday signed former Pittsburgh Pirates Neil Walker and Francisco Liriano to minor league contracts with invitations to attend major league spring training

Walker, a Pine-Richland graduate who was selected 11th overall in 2004, batted .261 with a .344 on-base percentage, eight homers and 38 RBIs in 115 games for the Miami Marlins last season. The 34-year-old infielder has a .267 average, 149 homers and 606 RBIs in 1,288 career games. Walker spent 2009-15 with the Pirates.

Liriano, a left-hander, went 5-3 with a 3.47 ERA in 69 relief appearances for the Pirates last season. The 36-year-old is 112-114 with a 4.15 ERA and has averaged 9.01 strikeouts per nine innings over 419 career games.

The Phillies also signed right-handers Bud Norris and Drew Storen to minor league deals