Tigers sign Valverde

The Detroit Tigers and reliever Jose Valverde finally reunited Thursday, when the former closer inked a minor league deal, according to 1500 ESPN's Patrick Reusse.

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, the Scott Boras client failed to find a home over the winter. Given the Tigers lack of an established closer, Valverde should join the big-league club as soon as he's ready.

Valverde has 277 career saves in 12 major-league seasons. He joins a pen than includes Octavio Dotel, Joaquin Benoit and Phil Coke.