Angels sign Sean Burnett

The Los Angeles Angels have signed Sean Burnett according to Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com. The deal is reportedly for two years and $8 million with a club option for 2015. Finalization of the deal for the 30 year-old left hander is pending a physical.

Burnett had a solid season for the Nationals in 2012 pitching to a career high in strikeouts per nine innings, a career low in walks per nine innings, and a 2.38 ERA.

The signing of Burnett is further evidence that Jerry DiPoto is focused on bolstering the Angels bullpen for the upcoming season. The revamped Angels bullpen will most likely see Burnett as a setup man for their newly acquired closer, Ryan Madson. However, he could also be used in a platoon setup role with right hander Ernesto Frieri.

The Angels had been linked to other late-inning relievers such as the recently-signed Joakim Soria, and Mike Adams. With the departure of Jordan Walden to the Braves in the Tommy Hanson trade, and the Cubs signing of Japanese closer Kyuji Fujikawa, Burnett was a good remaining late-inning option for the Angels.