January 24, 2014 at 6:45 PM
Red Sox sign veteran lefty Jose Mijares to minor league deal
The Red Sox have signed left-handed reliever Jose Mijares to a minor league contract that includes an invitation to spring training, reports Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports. Rosenthal adds that the deal includes an opt-out date in March, while Zach Links of MLB Trade Rumors reports that the deal includes a $1 million incentive if Mijares makes the major league team.
Mijares, 29, is a long-time major leaguer, having appeared in 324 games over the past six seasons with Minnesota, Kansas City, and San Francisco. He has been used mostly as a left-handed specialist, as was the case in 2013 when he threw only 49 innings in 60 appearances with the Giants, compiling a 4.22 ERA and 54 strikeouts but a disappointing .321 opponents batting average. For his career, Mijares has limited opposing batters to a .258 clip, and left-handed hitters have managed only a .225/.288/.335 line.
While the major league bullpen appears set, Mijares provides insurance in case fellow lefty Andrew Miller is not able to start the regular season following foot surgery, or another injury comes up in spring training.
Photo Credit: Jose Mijares from ESPN.com