Marlins sign Nick Masset to minor league deal

Miami has an idea of what its bullpen will look like in 2015, but added another arm on Tuesday afternoon. According to CBS Sports' Jon Heyman, the Marlins signed veteran reliever Nick Masset to a minor league contract.

nick masset agrees to minor-league deal with #marlins

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) January 13, 2015

Masset, 32, spent 2014 pitching for Colorado. In 45 innings, he posted a 5.80 ERA and 4.33 FIP while appearing in 51 games. Last season was Masset's first after taking a two-year absence because of shoulder issues and throacic outlet syndrome, according to MLB Trade Rumors. Masset's .371 average on balls in play was also the third highest among pitchers who had thrown at least 40 innings.

Although he was unable to be consistent in 2014, Masset was solid as a setup man for the Reds. He pitched to a 3.05 ERA in four seasons with Cincinnati, and was notably efficient in 2009 when he posted a 2.37 ERA and 3.23 FIP in 76.0 innings. Masset signed a two-year, $5.5 million extension with the Reds but was unable to pitch for the organization after the two sides agreed on a deal.

Miami has an idea of what its bullpen will look like in 2015, with Mike Dunn, A.J. Ramos, and Steve Cishek among those who likely have a roster spot heading into spring training (assuming there are not any setbacks). David Phelps or Brad Hand will likely serve as the squad's long reliever, and rule five draft pick Andrew McKirahan will be looked at.

If Masset cannot find the strike zone, the Marlins will not have invested much. But if he is solid when spring training starts, he could help give the Marlins right-handed bullpen depth.