Valverde signs minor league deal with Tigers
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Concerned about a relief corps thought to be their biggest weakness, the Detroit Tigers have signed a familiar face in Jose Valverde.
The veteran closer agreed to a minor league contract Thursday with the organization that opted not to re-sign him in the offseason following a dismal performance in the playoffs.
Valverde, who will report to the team's spring training complex in Lakeland, gave up nine runs and 11 hits in four postseason appearances.
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The move comes a day after Phil Coke failed to nail down the save and allowed a walk-off, two-run double to Eduardo Escobar in a 3-2 loss to the Minnesota Twins.
Detroit envisioned youngster Bruce Rondon as the team's potential closer, but he struggled during spring training and was optioned to Triple-A Toledo for more seasoning.
Valverde has recorded 277 career saves.