Jose Valverde tossed a hitless inning Friday in an extended spring training game. Valverde, who returned to the Tigers last week on a minor league deal deal, struck out two and walked one. He'll likely soon head to Triple-A Toledo to test himself against advanced competition. The 35-year-old can opt out of his contract if he isn't added to the major league roster by May 5. There's a chance that he could figure into the closer role again, but Tigers manager Jim Leyland is giving Joaquin Benoit a shot right now.

Jose Valverde has reported to the Tigers' spring training complex in Lakeland, Florida. Valverde recently returned to the Tigers' on a minor league deal and is expected to pitch in an extended spring training game later this week. He'll likely move on to Triple-A Toledo from there. The 35-year-old has the ability to opt out of his minor league deal on May 5 if he isn't added to the major league roster.

Tigers signed RHP Jose Valverde to a minor league contract. The Tigers said all offseason that they had no interest in bringing Valverde back, but they've struggled to find a ninth-inning solution and the deal comes with very little risk. Valverde will do some throwing at the Tigers' spring training complex in Lakeland, Florida before joining Triple-A Toledo. If he pitches well for the Mud Hens, he could climb back onto Detroit's 25-man roster. The 35-year-old may be a decent stash in deeper fantasy leagues.

Agent Scott Boras said Thursday that his client, Jose Valverde, has thrown bullpen sessions for scouts from multiple teams in recent days. He's scheduled to throw for a couple more teams in the coming days. Boras wouldn't reveal which teams have scouted Valverde, but he expects the animated reliever to find a club soon. "Our plan was to wait and see what closer options availed themselves at this time," Boras said. Valverde's former team, the Tigers, are not expected to have interest in him, despite the fact that they will go into the season with a closer by committee.

Jose Valverde's agent, Scott Boras, said Monday that his client has dropped 18 pounds this offseason. Boras also said that Valverde is hitting 95 mph in his bullpen workouts. The veteran right-hander has struggled to attract interest from teams this winter after looking rough in last year's playoffs. The Tigers have stated that they have no plans to bring him back.

Tigers manager Jim Leyland said Monday that re-signing Jose Valverde is still "not in the picture." Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported Saturday that Leyland was pushing for the Tigers to bring back Valverde, but Leyland insisted Monday morning that he has had no discussions on the topic with the Detroit front office. Bruce Rondon has been a mess so far in camp, but the Tigers seem committed to filling the vacant closer role from within. Valverde's free agency rolls on.

Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports that the Tigers "remain interested" in bringing back Jose Valverde.

Jose Valverde will not pitch for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic due to a personal issue. Valverde had been hoping to use the WBC to audition for a job somewhere, but that's now out the window. It's beginning to look like the charismatic reliever will still be unemployed when the season begins.

Lynn Henning of the Detroit News reports that the Tigers are not considering re-signing Jose Valverde. Members of the Tigers have endorsed Valverde in recent days, but Henning hears that "they haven't for a moment considered signing him." That might tell you all you need to know about his decline. The Tigers intend to give rookie fireballer Bruce Rondon a shot at the closer job this spring while Phil Coke and Joaquin Benoit are among the alternatives.

Jose Valverde will pitch for the Dominican Republic in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. He'll join a talented bullpen which is also set to include names like Fernando Rodney, Octavio Dotel and Santiago Casilla. Valverde had a 3.78 ERA and 48/27 K/BB ratio in 69 innings last season and remains a free agent.