"The Rays are bringing former All-Star closer Jason Isringhausen to camp, agreeing Friday to a minor-league deal.

The right-hander, 36, struggled for much of his seventh and last season in St. Louis, was shut down in August with elbow tendinitis and had surgery to repair a torn flexor tendon on Sept. 12. He finished 1-5 with 12 saves out of 19 chances and a 5.70 ERA.

The 13-year veteran has recovered enough to throw bullpen sessions. And though he will be monitored early, he is expected to pitch in games next month. If healthy and effective, he could give the Rays additional bullpen depth as Chad Bradford and Troy Percival recover from surgery.

Isringhausen, who lives in the bay area, will join the Rays in camp this morning. He has 293 saves and a 3.61 ERA in 13 seasons with the Mets, A's and Cardinals."