Pirates sign former Nationals reliever Doug Slaten

The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed former Washington Nationals left handed reliever Doug Slaten, Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reports. The deal is a minor league contract. Slaten, 31, appeared in 31 games for the Nationals in 2011, allowing 26 hits, striking out 13 and walking 9 in 16.1 innings pitched. Slaten posted a 4.41 ERA. Slaten entered the Majors in 2006 with the Arizona Diamondbacks and has appeared in 206 career games, posting a 3.60 career era. Slaten did not end the 2011 season on a good note with Washington. In eight relief appearances last September, Slaten had an 11.25 ERA in September, allowing 8 hits and 5 runs in 4 innings pitched. Overall, left handed hitters batted .333 off Slaten