Jose Veras blew a save after giving up a run in the 12th inning Wednesday against the Pirates.

The Cubs took a one-run lead on Anthony Rizzo's solo homer in the top of the inning, but Veras couldn't hold it. We like Pedro Strop as the Cubs' best reliever, but we don't see a closer switch coming anytime soon. For one thing, Veras isn't that bad and it really doesn't matter whether he pitches the ninth and Strop the eighth or vice versa. For another, the Cubs have financial incentive to keep things as they are.

Cubs manager Rick Renteria said Thursday that Jose Veras "looks like he's going to be our closer."

The was the assumption when he was signed to a $4 million deal in December, but this is the first time Renteria or any of the Cubs' brass confirmed it. Pedro Strop will work in a setup role and could close down the line if Veras is traded, but for now the gig belongs to the 33-year-old. Veras held a 3.02 ERA with 21 saves and a 60/22 K/BB ratio over 62 2/3 innings for the Astros and Tigers last season.

Cubs signed RHP Jose Veras to a one-year, $4 million contract.

Enrique Rojas of ESPN Deportes reported news of the agreement, which also includes a $5.5 million option for 2015. Veras is coming off a 3.02 ERA, 21 saves and a 60/22 K/BB ratio over 62 2/3 innings between the Astros and Tigers this past season. While he could become trade bait next summer, he should begin the year in the closer role.

Enrique Rojas of ESPN Deportes reports that the Cubs have agreed to terms with Jose Veras on a one-year, $4 million contract.

The deal also includes a $5.5 million option for 2015. With no others in their bullpen possessing extensive closer experience, the Cubs are likely to hand the ninth inning over to Veras. The 33-year-old reliever posted a 3.02 ERA while striking out a batter per frame for the Astros and Tigers this past season while converting 21 of 25 save chances.

Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports that Jose Veras has turned down an offer from the Astros.

The two sides are still negotiating. Veras enjoyed success in the closer role with the Astros this past season before being traded to the Tigers in late July. If brought back to Houston, he would presumably get save chances once again.

ESPN's Jayson Stark reports that the Astros are interested in bringing back Jose Veras.

Veras, of course, was the club's closer last season before being dealt to the Tigers at the trade deadline. If they get him back, it might again be as a half-season rental before he's shipped somewhere else. Stark notes that Veras is just one of the many names on the Astros' list as they look for "a reliever who can potentially close."

The Houston Chronicle's Evan Drellich reports that the Astros are open to bringing back Jose Veras.

Drellich also notes that the interest is mutual. The Astros wouldn't mind giving Josh Fields a shot to run with their closer job next season, but they also are open to having a reunion with Veras and then possibly trading him again at the deadline. Veras posted a 3.02 ERA while striking out a batter per frame for the Astros and Tigers this season. He recorded 21 saves in 25 chances.

The Rockies are pursuing free agent relievers Jose Veras and Joe Smith, according to the Denver Post.

In addition to those targets, Colorado has also made signing free agent Carlos Ruiz an offseason priority, and they will offer him a multi-year contract this week, according to Troy Renck of the Post. The Rockies must improve their porous bullpen, and the side-armer Smith is a nice fit due to his groundball-inducing ways. Veras logged a 3.02 ERA last season and comes equipped with a mid-90s fastball. The Rockies have made identifying and acquiring power arms another offseason priority.

Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports that the 2014 club option on Jose Veras that the Tigers declined on Friday was actually for $4 million as opposed to the $3.25 million that had previously been reported.

The option increased to $4 million due to an escalator clause in his contract that was activated once he reached 45 games finished. While not a tremendous difference, it gives a little more credence to what was a surprising move by the Tigers. Veras should have no difficulty securing a setup role this Winter.

Tigers declined RHP Jose Veras' $3.25 million option for 2014.

He'll get a $150,000 buyout instead. Veras posted a 3.02 ERA while striking out nearly a batter per inning and recording 21 saves for the Astros and Tigers this season, so it's mildly surprising that the option wasn't exercised. He shouldn't have trouble netting a setup role with someone this winter.

Jose Veras earned the save Monday in the Tigers' victory over the Red Sox at Fenway Park.

Veras yielded a leadoff double to Daniel Nava but quickly retired the next three batters. He was filling in for Joaquin Benoit, who was given the afternoon off.

Tigers acquired RHP Jose Veras from the Astros for OF Danry Vasquez and a player to be named later.

Veras, 32, has a cool 2.93 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 44/14 K/BB ratio in 43 innings this year with Houston and could get a shot at saves in Detroit if Joaquin Benoit experiences a couple of hiccups. Veras is earning $1.85 million this season and carries a $3.25 million team option for 2014. Vasquez, a 19-year-old from Venezuela, was batting .281/.333/.390 with five homers and nine steals through 96 games this year for Low-A West Michigan.

Jose Veras notched a five-out save in Saturday's 8-6 win over the Blue Jays.

Veras has converted 11 straight save chances and now owns a 2.93 ERA and 44/14 K/BB ratio over 43 innings this season. He should be a popular trade target leading up to the non-waiver trade deadline next Wednesday.

Jose Veras slammed the door on the Rays on Friday, protecting a 2-0 lead and earning his 18th save of the season.

It also preserved the victory for Jarred Cosart who was outstanding in his MLB debut. He had to work out of a jam after Desmond Jennings reached on a two-out error, then a pair of singles led to a run scoring and the tying run reaching third base. He then got Evan Longoria to strike out to end the game. After getting off to a rocky start to begin the season, Veras has been extremely reliable. Since May 7, he's converted 16-of-17 save chances while posting a 2.30 ERA and 28/10 K/BB ratio in 27 1/3 innings.

Jose Veras tossed a scoreless inning in his return to action Saturday.

Veras had to leave his last appearance after being hit in the right pinkie by a comebacker, but he's fine. The Astros' closer could be traded later this month.

Jose Veras was removed from Thursday's game against the Rays with a bruised right pinkie.

James Loney hit a comebacker in the 10th that clipped Veras' finger. X-rays came back clean, though, and he's expected to be fine. He should be ready for a potential save situation Friday.

Jose Veras tallied his 15th save of the season Saturday as the Astros beat the Cubs 4-3.

Veras retired all three batters he faced in the bottom of the ninth inning at Wrigley Field. He's done well with the few save chances that he's received this season and should remain a decent fantasy option at closer.

Jose Veras earned his 13th save of the season Saturday in the Astros' 4-3 win over the White Sox.

Veras issued a leadoff walk to Dayan Viciedo and then allowed pinch-runner Jordan Danks to steal second base. But the Houston closer struck out Gordon Beckhman and Tyler Flowers and picked Danks off second to finish the game. Veras has a cool 3.60 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 36/13 K/BB ratio through 30 innings this season.

Jose Veras struck out two in a perfect ninth to earn a save against the Angels on Friday.

Veras had given up runs in three of his last four appearances, so he needed the nice outing tonight to bolster his job security. He ended up with seven saves in nine chances in May, which is a nice improvement from a month of April in which he was handed just three chances, converting two.

Astros manager Bo Porter said Wednesday that Jose Veras remains the team's closer.

Veras has given up four runs over his last three appearances, taking a pair of losses. The Astros don't have any other real alternatives, though, so he has some leash by default. He's pitched two days in a row and might not be available Wednesday, so Hector Ambriz, he of the 4.94 ERA and 1.52 WHIP could get a shot at a save.