Blue Jays make Cordero deal official

Francisco Cordero is officially a member of the Toronto Blue Jays.

On Wednesday the team announced that they had signed the 36-year-old reliever to a one-year, $4.5 million deal. Reports of Cordero joining the club first surfaced on Jan. 24.

To make room on the team’s 40-man roster, Toronto designated outfielder Darin Masrtroianni for assignment.

Cordero now joins a crowded and revamped Blue Jays bullpen following the off-season additions of closer Sergio Santos and setup man Jason Frasor in separate trades with the Chicago White Sox and the signing of free agent, left-hander Darren Oliver.

Cordero appeared in 68 games with the Cincinnati Reds last season, converting 37 saves in 43 chances with a 2.45 ERA, 1.019 WHIP and 42 strikeouts in 69.2 innings.

The Santa Domingo, Dominican Republic natibe has recorded seven seasons of 30 or more saves during his 13-year career.

With Toronto, he will likely serve as the right-handed setup man and as closing insurance for Santos.