BOSTON (AP) — Reliever Bobby Jenks and the Boston Red Sox have finalized a $12 million, two-year contract.
The former Chicago White Sox closer joins a bullpen that already has Jonathan Papelbon and Daniel Bard working the late innings. Jenks should provide insurance if one of them falters, with a chance that the right-hander could move into the closing job.
Jenks is a two-time All-Star who was the White Sox stopper when the club won the 2005 World Series, ending an 88-year drought. Last season, he converted 19 of 20 save chances in the first half but struggled with arm problems and lost his closing job at the end of the season. His 173 saves rank second in White Sox history.
Boston also designated infielder Brent Dlugach for assignment.
