Octavio Dotel, Jays Reportedly Reach Deal

Filed under: Blue Jays, MLB Rumors, MLB Hot Stove, MLB Free Agency

The Blue Jays have added an experienced hand to the back end of their bullpen, reportedly finalizing a deal with veteran reliever Octavio Dotel.

Dotel will make $3.5 million in 2011 and the Jays have an option at the same salary for 2012, according to ESPN Deportes. The deal is pending a physical, and Dotel will head to the Jays' spring training complex in Dunedin, Fla., after the New Year to get that done.

The Blue Jays will be Dotel's 11th team. The 37-year-old split 2010 among three different clubs, opening the season with the Pirates before being shipped to the Dodgers on July 31 and then to the Rockies on Sept. 18. All told, he went 3-4 with a 4.08 ERA in 68 appearances, striking out 75 and saving 22 games (all but one of those coming for Pittsburgh).

Dotel has been in the majors since 1999 and is well-versed in late-inning relief work. With free agent Kevin Gregg presumably headed elsewhere, Dotel likely will get the first shot to finish games for John Farrell in Toronto.

 

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