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MLB roundup: Tigers sign Valverde; Nationals agree to deal with Young

The Detroit Tigers and reliever Jose Valverde reunited Thursday, when the former closer signed a minor league deal.

The 35-year-old will report to Lakeland, Fla., for extended spring training. He can opt out May 5 if he's not in the majors by then.

Despite saving 35 games for Detroit last season, Valverde failed to find a home over the winter. Given the Tigers' lack of an established closer, Valverde could join the big-league club as soon as he's ready.

Valverde has 277 career saves in 12 major-league seasons.

---The Washington Nationals have agreed on a minor-league deal with right-handed pitcher Chris Young.

Young, 33, posted a 4.15 ERA in 20 starts for the New York Mets last season. In his nine-year career, Young is 53-43 with a 3.79 ERA.

---The Texas Rangers announced an eight-year contract extension with shortstop Elvis Andrus. The deal includes a ninth-year vesting option.

Andrus, 24, can opt out after the 2018 season, which would essentially make the deal a four-year, $60 million extension. Should Andrus play for the full term, the deal's total value could reach $131 million.

Through his first four major league seasons, Andrus' batting average and on-base percentage have risen each year. In 2012, he batted .286 with a .349 OBP and a .378 slugging percentage with three homers, 62 RBI and 21 stolen bases. He earned his second All-Star Game appearances.