Blue Jays sign Al Alburquerque to minor-league deal

The Blue Jays and reliever Al Alburquerque have agreed on a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet reports.

Alburquerque, 31, spent time with the Royals and White Sox last season, ultimately pitching in Triple-A where he posted solid numbers (2.87 ERA, 10.3 K/9). but was non-tendered by the White Sox last month.

The righty’s best years came during his time in Detroit from 2011-15, when he pitched to a 3.20 ERA in 225 innings.

Known to lose control of the strike zone, Alburquerque has averaged five walks per nine innings during his seven-year career. He will try to find a roster spot on a Blue Jays bullpen that ranked seventh in WAR last season.