Texas Rangers sign two with Pirates’ ties, including catcher Michael McKenry

The Texas Rangers signed two players to minor league deals Wednesday.

Catcher Michael McKenry, 30, who had right knee surgery in August, has been invited to major league spring training.

Left-handed pitcher Donnie Veal has spent time with the Pirates, White Sox and Braves since 2009. He was released by Atlanta in June and finished the season with Long Island in the Independent Atlantic League, compiling a 1.45 ERA in 20 appearances.

Veal had a 1.69 ERA in 17 games for the Aguilas in the Dominican Winter League and is currently pitching for Este in the DWL playoffs.

McKenry batted .205 with four homers and 17 RBIs in 58 games for the Rockies in 2015 before tearing the lateral meniscus in his right knee. He has a .238 average with 29 homers and 103 RBIs in 308 career major league games with the Rockies and Pirates.

Both players spent time in the Pittsburgh organization when Rangers manager Jeff Banister was with the Pirates.

This story was originally published December 30, 2015 at 3:52 PM with the headline "Texas Rangers sign two with Pirates’ ties, including catcher Michael McKenry."