Pirates sign Brad Lincoln to minor-league deal

Brad Lincoln's career has come full circle, as the right-handed reliever signed a minor league deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday. 

Selected with the fourth pick of the 2006 draft by the Pirates, Lincoln spent two and a half disappointing seasons in Pittsburgh. In 51 appearances split between starting and relieving, Lincoln posted a 7-9 record and 4.62 ERA over 159 2/3 innings. 

The 29-year-old spent last season with the Philadelphia Phillies, allowing three runs off five hits while striking out a pair in 2 1/3 innings.