Zambrano Signs Minor League Deal with Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays have signed right-handed pitcher Victor Zambrano to a minor league contract with an invitation to attend spring training with the Major League club.

Zambrano made only five starts last season for the New York Mets after undergoing right elbow surgery on May 15, 2006. In those starts he was 1-2 with a 6.75 ERA.

The 31-year-old owns a career record of 45-41 in 174 games with 96 starts and an ERA of 4.45. During his six year Major League career he has allowed 637 hits in 683 1/3 innings with 72 home runs, 382 walks and 513 strikeouts.

The 6-0, 203lb. native of Los Teques, Venezuela pitched for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays from 2001 to July 30, 2004 when he was sent to the New York Mets along with RHP Bartolome Fortunato in exchange for LHP Scott Kazmir and RHP Jose Diaz.