Tigers signed RHP James Avery to a minor league contract.

Avery, 27, was classified as a six-year minor league free agent, meaning Cincinnati had exercised all six of its contract renewals for the maximum of six years. A fifth round draft pick in 2005, he posted a 6-12 record with a 4.70 ERA and 76 strikeouts over 26 starts in Double-A Carolina this past season. The deal does not include an invite to spring training.