Right-handed reliever Junichi Tazawa has signed a minor league contract with the Detroit Tigers, the American League club announced Monday.
Tazawa was released by the Miami Marlins last month after posting a 9.00 ERA and a 1-1 record in 22 games this season, allowing 21 runs in 20 innings. He is expected to spend time on the mound with the Toledo Mud Hens, the Tigers' Triple-A affiliate.
The 31-year-old signed a two-year, $12 million deal with Miami before the 2017 season following an eight-year stint with the Boston Red Sox, where he missed the entire 2010 season after undergoing Tommy John elbow reconstruction surgery. In his major league career, he has gone 21-26 with a 4.16 ERA.
The Tigers are currently second in the AL Central.