Jose Valverde signs minor league deal with Nationals

ATLANTA – The Washington Nationals have signed former Detroit Tigers closer Jose Valverde to a minor league contract as an insurance policy for their inconsistent bullpen.

Valverde, with 288 career saves, last worked as a full-time closer with Detroit in 2012.

The right-hander earned two saves last year for the New York Mets but had a 5.66 ERA in 21 games. Washington signed him to a minor league deal last week, but the team did not announce the move.

Valverde went to spring training on a minor league contract with San Diego, but the Padres released him April 2.

The Nationals are without veteran relievers Craig Stammen and Casey Janssen, as both recover from injuries. Opponents are hitting .269 against Washington relievers, the majors' third-highest average allowed by a bullpen.