Phils sign Kline to Minor League deal

Phils sign Kline to Minor League deal
Veteran lefty reliever to report to Triple-A Lehigh Valley
By Ken Mandel / MLB.com

NEW YORK -- Lefty reliever Steve Kline signed a Minor League contract with the Phillies on Thursday and will report to Triple-A Lehigh Valley in one week.

The 35-year-old Kline was released by the Giants at the end of Spring Training. He could be summoned to serve as the Phils' second lefty reliever.

Kline spent 2007 with the Giants and posted a 4.70 ERA in 46 innings. He allowed 58 hits and 18 walks.

He began his Major League career in 1997 with the Indians. His best years were 2001 and '04, when he compiled ERAs of 1.80 and 1.79, respectively.

Ken Mandel is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.