The Detroit Tigers acquired reliever Jose Veras from the Houston Astros for outfield prospect Danry Vasquez and a player to be named later.
Veras, 32, was 0-4 with a 2.93 ERA and 19 saves as the Astros closer this year.
However, Veras will not close games for the Tigers. Manager Jim Leyland said, “(Joaquin) Benoit is the closer — period.”
Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski said in a statement that Veras adds versatility and depth to the Tigers bullpen.
“We are pleased to add an experienced arm to our bullpen,” he said. “Jose can pitch in a variety of roles, provides depth in the bullpen and complements the roles of Joaquin Benoit and Drew Smyly.”
The Tigers struggled early on at the closer spot but Benoit has settled in and has been effective. He is 2-0 with a 1.50 ERA and 10 saves.
Opponents are hitting just .192 against Veras this year. The right-hander signed with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays as a non-drafted free agent in 1998. He also pitched for the New York Yankees (2006-09), Cleveland Indians (2009), Florida Marlins (2010), Pittsburgh Pirates (2011), Milwaukee Brewers (2012) and Astros (2013).
Veras is 19-21 with a 3.88 ERA over his career.
Vasquez batted .281 with 16 doubles, five triples, five home runs and 39 RBI in 96 games with Class A West Michigan this year.