News
02/06/09 6:29 PM EST
Twins add Ayala to relief corps
Right-hander struggled in 2008 after stellar '07 season
By Doug Miller / MLB.com
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The Twins made a move toward shoring up their bullpen Friday, signing right-hander Luis Ayala to a one-year, $1.3 million contract, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.
The newspaper spoke to Ayala's agent, Joe Longo, who confirmed the signing, which includes up to $575,000 in performance incentives. "He's happy to go in there and fight for that setup job," Longo told the paper.
Ayala, 31, made 86 appearances in 2008 for the Washington Nationals and New York Mets and went 2-10 with a 5.71 ERA and nine saves. He was 2-2 with a 3.19 ERA for Washington in 2007. The signing is complete pending a physical.
Twins GM Bill Smith declined comment, keeping with team policy of not discussing negotiations.
Doug Miller is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
