Dec 22, 2012 3 min read

The Milwaukee Brewers signed left-handed reliever Tom Gorzelanny to a two-year contract Friday.

The 30-year-old Gorzelanny went 4-2 with a 2.88 ERA and one save in 45 games with Washington last season, a stint that included one start. He posted a 1.33 ERA in 27 innings pitched out of the bullpen following the All-Star break.

Gorzelanny worked at least two innings in 19 of his 44 relief appearances last season, his first as a full-time reliever.

Overall, Gorzelanny is 44-45 with a 4.41 ERA and two saves in 193 games (111 starts) during eight seasons with Pittsburgh, the Cubs and Washington.

Veras signs with Astros: The Houston Astros signed veteran right-handed reliever Jose Veras to a one-year contract. The 32-year-old Veras was 5-4 in 72 relief appearances for Milwaukee in 2012 with a 3.63 ERA with 79 strikeouts and 61 hits in 67 innings. Veras has a 19-17 record in 327 career major league appearances over parts of seven seasons with the Yankees, Indians, Marlins, Pirates and Brewers.

Jackson, Cubs agree to deal: A person familiar with the situation tells the Associated Press that the Chicago Cubs have agreed to a four-year, $52 million contract with right-hander Edwin Jackson.

The person spoke Thursday on the condition of anonymity because the deal had not been announced. Several outlets had previously reported the agreement. The Cubs will be the eighth team in 11 years for the 29-year-old Jackson, who also pitched for the White Sox. He is 70-71 lifetime with a 4.40 ERA. He was 10-11 with a 4.03 ERA for Washington last season.

Twins sign Harden to minor league deal: The Minnesota Twins have signed injury-hampered right-hander Rich Harden to a minor-league contract with an invitation to compete for a spot on the staff in spring training.

The move was made Friday. The 31-year-old Harden missed the entire 2012 season after surgery Jan. 31 to repair the rotator cuff in his throwing shoulder.

Mariner give Bonderman chance: The Seattle Mariners have signed pitcher Jeremy Bonderman to a minor league contract, hoping the right-hander can make a comeback from Tommy John surgery.

The Mariners announced the deal Friday. They also invited the 30-year-old who was raised in the state of Washington to spring training.

Bonderman has not pitched in the majors since 2010, when he went 8-10 with a 5.53 ERA for Detroit. He pitched eight seasons for the Tigers and helped them reach the World Series in 2006, when he was 14-8 and led the AL with 34 starts.

Canzler claimed by Blue Jays: The Toronto Blue Jays have claimed first baseman-outfielder Russ Canzler on waivers from the Cleveland Indians.

The 26-year-old Canzler hit .269 with three home runs and 11 RBI in 26 games for the Indians last season. He also hit 22 homers in Triple-A and has spent some time at third base in the minors.