Padres sign Casey Janssen to minor-league deal

The San Diego Padres have signed veteran reliever Casey Janssen to a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training, the team announced.

After shipping away relievers Craig Kimbrel and Joaquin Benoit to the Boston Red Sox and Seattle Mariners in separate deals this offseason, Janssen is expected to provide depth to San Diego's depleted bullpen. The Padres also added right-hander Fernando Rodney in the offseason.

Janssen spent eight seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays before signing with the Washington Nationals for the 2015 season. Formerly a closer in Toronto, Janssen converted 81.8 percent of his save opportunities while crafting a 3.52 ERA with the Blue Jays.

In 2015, Janssen pitched mostly in the eighth inning for the Nationals, posting a 4.95 ERA in 48 games.