The Blue Jays have signed right-hander Joba Chamberlain to a minor-league deal, according to a report from Joel Sherman of the New York Post. CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman reports that Chamberlain will head to extended spring training in Florida before joining the Jays' Triple-A affiliate in Buffalo.
Chamberlain, 29, was recently designated for assignment and subsequently release by the Tigers after struggling to a 4.09 ERA in 22 innings to start the season. The reliever explored free agency for a couple of weeks before joining the Jays, who are known to be on the lookout for relief help on the trade market.
Chamberlain will look to join fellow righties Ryan Tepera, Bo Schultz, Liam Hendriks and Steve Delabar in front of closer Roberto Osuna in the Jays' bullpen, and will at least provide some depth for the club. Toronto has been linked to many relievers (including Jonathan Papelbon and Jim Johnson) on the trade market, so Chamberlain may not crack the majors if the team makes an additional move.
Chamberlain, a nine-year veteran, is the owner of a lifetime 3.82 ERA with the Yankees (2007-2013) and Tigers (2014-2015). He returns to the AL East where he broke in as an effective reliever with New York in 2007 and 2008.