Rangers signed RHP Evan Meek to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.

Meek was once considered a reliable setup man, but he's dealt with shoulder issues for going on two years and may never bounce back to his old form. The 29-year-old right-hander posted a 6.75 ERA in 12 innings this past season for Pittsburgh. He will be competing for a spot in the Rangers' bullpen during spring training.

Pirates sent RHP Evan Meek outright to Triple-A Indianapolis.

Meek was designated for assignment last Monday and surprisingly drew no claims on waivers. The 29-year-old has battled shoulder issues for the past couple seasons but was once regarded as a top setup man and potential closer.

Pirates designated RHP Evan Meek for assignment.

Meek was once considered a top setup man, but he's thrown just 32 2/3 innings since the start of the 2012 season because of shoulder injuries and hasn't been all that effective when healthy. The 29-year-old right-hander could draw mild interest on waivers.

Pirates optioned RHP Evan Meek to Triple-A Indianapolis.

He's clearing the way for Starling Marte's addition to the roster. Meek has posted 6.75 ERA and 1.67 WHIP over 12 appearances for the Pirates this season.

Pirates recalled RHP Evan Meek from Triple-A Indianapolis.

Meek made a brief appearance with the Pirates earlier this season and will provide bullpen depth while Juan Cruz (shoulder) is sidelined. Look for him to be used in low-leverage situations.

Pirates optioned RHP Evan Meek to Triple-A Indianapolis.

Meek was just recalled Wednesday but allowed three runs in just one inning of work in his lone appearance. He should be back up eventually.

Pirates recall RHP Evan Meek from Triple-A Indianapolis.

The Pirates have swapped one disappointment for another, basically. Meek was demoted late last month after posting a 5.59 ERA and 6/1 K/BB ratio over 9 2/3 innings, but he at least showed some signs of life in the minors by tossing six scoreless innings. Look for him to be eased back into action in low-leverage situations before being trusted in the late innings again.

Evan Meek was tagged for four runs -- three earned -- in two-thirds of an inning by the Blue Jays on Sunday.

The Pirates are hoping Meek bounces back from last year's shoulder problems to take over as their eighth-inning guy in front of Joel Hanrahan, but this isn't the most promising of starts. He allowed three hits, walked two and struck out none.

The Pirates and RHP Evan Meek avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $875,000 contract.

Meek was arbitration-eligible for the first time this winter. The 28-year-old right-hander was limited to just 24 relief appearances last season due to a shoulder injury, posting a 3.48 ERA and 17/12 K/BB ratio across 20 2/3 innings. He'll function as a set-up man for closer Joel Hanrahan in 2012.

Pirates activated RHP Evan Meek from the 60-day disabled list.

Meek hasn't appeared in a major league since early June due to a shoulder injury. The hard-throwing setup man should be able to finish strong down the stretch.