Valverde returns to closer role with Detroit

Six months after the Tigers bid farewell to Jose Valverde, they welcomed him back Tuesday, signing him to a one-year Major League contract. If they take a lead into the ninth inning Wednesday night, he’ll try to close out a win.

It’s a scenario that seemed impossible entering Spring Training, and seemed improbable even after the Tigers signed Valverde to a minor-league contract on April 4. After Valverde pitched three times for Class A Lakeland the past four days, however, the Tigers were sold on his comeback.

“His stuff has been very good,” team president/general manager Dave Dombrowski said Tuesday night. “We think he’s ready to come in and close games for us.”

Detroit Tigers sign relief pitcher Jose Valverde to minor-league contract

Reunited and it feels so good….

- Jose Valverde has signed a minor-league contract—with no major-league commitment from the Detroit Tigers—general manager Dave Dombrowski announced late this morning.
Valverde will report to extended spring training in Lakeland and face some hitters before joining Triple-A Toledo.

Tigers scouts watched Valverde pitch Saturday during a workout in the Dominican Republic. Dombrowski said Valverde is in excellent shape and threw his splitter, a pitch he got away from last season, during the workout.