Angels Finalize Deal with Rodney

ANAHEIM, CA — The Angels Thursday agreed to terms on a two-year contract with right-handed reliever Fernando Rodney. Today’s announcement was made by General Manager Tony Reagins and no terms of the contract will be released.

Rodney, 32, spent the last seven seasons with the Detroit Tigers. During the 2009 campaign, he served as the club’s closer, finishing sixth in the American League with a career-high 37 saves and led all A.L. pitchers with 65 games finished. Rodney converted 97% of his save opportunities (37/38), tops among all A.L. pitchers and the highest save percentage in Tigers’ history. The right-hander also established career-highs with 73 appearances and 75.2 innings pitched.

“Fernando has competed at a high level for several years now,” said Reagins. “His presence will add depth to our bullpen and his willingness to take the ball in any situation will be a significant asset to us.”

The Dominican native was originally signed by the Tigers as a non-drafted free agent on November 1, 1997. During his stay in Detroit, he compiled a 15-30 record with 70 saves (96 chances), a 4.28 ERA (330 IP – 157 ER) and 314 strikeouts in 308 career relief appearances.