The Toronto Blue Jays reached agreement with veteran infielder Ramon Santiago and right-hander Ronald Belisario on minor-league contracts Thursday with an invitation to spring training.
The 35-year-old Santiago batted .246 with two home runs and 17 RBIs in 75 games for the Cincinnati Reds last season after previously playing a utility role for the Detroit Tigers. He is a career .243 hitter with 30 homers and 214 RBIs in 920 games for the Reds, Tigers and Seattle Mariners.
Belisario struggled last season with the Chicago White Sox, posting a 4-8 record with eight saves while giving up 46 runs in 66 1/3 innings for a 5.56 ERA. But he had a 3.24 ERA and a 13-8 record in 139 innings during the 2012 and 2013 seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Blue Jays are in need of middle-inning relief help after the departure of Casey Janssen through free agency.
Sportsnet reported that Belisario’s deal would be for $1.7 million if he makes the roster.
