Mets sign RHP Jose Valverde to a minor league contract

The New York Mets today announced the club signed righthanded pitcher Jose Valverde to a minor league contract with an invite to major league Spring Training. 

Valverde, 35, is a three-time All-Star (2007, 2010, 2011) who has recorded 286 saves during his 11-year major league career with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Houston Astros and Detroit Tigers.

He converted 49 consecutive save opportunities in 2011, becoming only the third pitcher in major league history to be perfect in all his save opportunities during a single season while posting 40 or more saves.

Valverde appeared in 20 games for the Tigers and earned nine saves after signing a minor league contract on April 4 last year. He was released on August 7.