Rockies add relief pitcher John Axford to 40-man roster
The Colorado Rockies have selected the contract of veteran right-handed reliever John Axford from Triple-A Albuquerque, according to the Associated Press.
Axford had previously agreed to a minor league deal with the Rockies. His new deal is for one year and is worth $2.6 million, with the opportunity for performance bonuses, according to the AP.
The 31-year-old signed with the Cleveland Indians as a free agent and had 10 saves last season before being placed on waivers in August and claimed by the Pittsburgh Pirates. Overall in 2014, Axford had a 3.95 ERA with 63 strikeouts and 36 walks in 54.2 innings.
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In 2011, Axford led the National League with 46 saves as a member of the Milwaukee Brewers, to go along with a career-best 1.95 ERA.
He lost his job as the Brewers' closer early in the 2013 season to Jim Henderson and was eventually traded to the St. Louis Cardinals.
To make room for Axford on the roster, the Rockies placed right-hander Tyler Chatwood, who had Tommy John surgery last July, on the 60-day disabled list.
- Phil Watson
