DETROIT -- Long after Christmas stockings have been emptied, the Tigers continue stocking their Spring Training camp with non-roster invites, this time adding to their crop of relief candidates. Detroit has agreed to terms with veteran right-hander Edward Mujica on a Minor League contract with an invite to big league camp.The Tigers have not confirmed the deal. A source confirmed the agreement, first reported by FanRag Sports.
Mujica broke into the Major Leagues a decade ago with the Indians. The native Venezuelan, born in new teammate Bruce Rondon's hometown of Valencia, has made 494 Major League appearances over 10 seasons, most recently pitching 49 games with Boston and Oakland in 2015. The 32-year-old spent this past season bouncing around Triple-A affiliates of the Phillies, Royals and Twins organizations.The Tigers have been tied to interest in Mujica in past years. They're hoping to get a rebound season out of him now. He racked up 37 saves with the Cardinals in 2013 before struggling to find his form the past few years. He isn't a high-strikeout pitcher, but compensates with low walk totals.Mujica's signing follows a series of Minor League deals reported last week, many with pitchers returning from leagues in the Far East. Right-hander Collin Balester is returning to the Tigers' organization after pitching last season in Korea, while righty Jake Brigham -- who had agreed to a Minor League contract with the Tigers last winter before going to Japan -- signed a Minor League deal as well. Former Twins and Angels reliever A.J. Achter, a native of Toledo, signed a Minor League deal with a Spring Training invite earlier this month.Considering general manager Al Avila said at the start of the offseason that the Tigers need to get leaner and younger -- both in roster and payroll -- the approach fits. The only player brought in on a Major League contract so far this offseason is Alex Avila, signed to a one-year deal earlier this month to return as Detroit's backup catcher.
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