The last time the Pirates signed Francisco Liriano, it was to the largest free agent contract in franchise history. This time, it is to a minor league contract.

On Monday, the Pirates signed the left-hander and invited him to spring training on a non-roster basis. Liriano is likely to compete for a spot in the bullpen.

Liriano, 35, previously pitched for the Pirates from 2013-16. He received a three-year, $39-million contract during the 2014-15 offseason then was traded to the Blue Jays in 2016 because management felt National League Central hitters had become too familiar with Liriano’s repertoire.

Liriano will have a $1.8-million salary if the makes the team with the opportunity to earn an additional $1.5 million in performance bonuses. He would have a $150,000 salary in the minors.

Beyond closer Felipe Vazquez, the Pirates have no other lefties who are locks to open the season in the bullpen.

Steven Brault will be a given a chance to win the fifth starter’s job in a spring training competition with right-handers Jordan Lyles and Nick Kingham. The Pirates also signed former Cardinals lefty Tyler Lyons to a minor league contract last month.

Liriano spent last season with the Tigers, going 5-12 with a 4.58 ERA in 27 games, all but one a start. He struck out 110 in 133 2/3 innings but also walked 73. Left-handed hitters batted just .170/.255/.261 against Liriano but right-handers hit him at a .270/.369/.455 clip.

Liriano has a 107-111 career record with a 4.18 ERA in 350 games, including 300 starts, over 13 seasons with the Twins (2005-06, 2008-12), White Sox (2012), Pirates, Blue Jays (2016-17), Astros (2017) and Tigers (2018)

His most memorable moment with the Pirates came in the 2013 NL wild card game when he allowed one run in seven innings to beat the Reds at PNC Park despite having flu-like symptoms.

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