St. Petersburg, Russia – The Detroit Tigers may have found a solution for their unsettled closer role, acquiring Jose Veras from the Houston Astros for minor league outfielder Danry Vasquez and a player to be named later.
Veras had been closing for the last-place Astros this season, recording 19 saves in 22 opportunities. He was 0-4 with a 2.93 ERA and 44 strikeouts in 43 innings.
The 32-year-old right-hander had mostly worked in a setup role for much of his eight-year career before 2013. He owns an overall record of 19-21 with a 3.88 ERA and 24 saves in 369 relief appearances for the Yankees, Indians, Marlins, Pirates, Brewers and Astros.
Detroit has used multiple pitchers in the closer role this year, especially after Bruce Rondon was unable to win the job in spring training. Joaquin Benoit has the most saves with 10.
"We are pleased to add an experienced arm to our bullpen," said Tigers general manger, president and CEP David Dombrowski in a statement Monday. "Jose can pitch in a variety of roles, provides depth in the bullpen and complements the roles of Joaquin Benoit and Drew Smyly."
Tigers manager Jim Leyland could still use Benoit as the closer, or could turn to Veras. Drew Smyly has been effective as a setup man from the left side.
Jose Valverde was given another chance in April after the Tigers initially decided against offering him a contract following a dismal performance in last year's playoffs. He had nine saves in 20 games before being designated for assignment in June, and is pitching at Triple-A Toledo.
Vasquez, a 19-year-old prospect, has spent the 2013 season at Single-A West Michigan and is batting .281 in 96 games.
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