Source: Ex-closer Johnson, Tigers reach minor-league deal

A person who reviewed the deal tells The Associated Press that free-agent reliever Jim Johnson and the Detroit Tigers have agreed to a minor-league contract.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because there was no official announcement. The Tigers played at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday night.

Johnson had a major league-best 51 saves for Baltimore in 2012, and then tied for the big-league lead last year with 50. The Orioles traded him to Oakland last winter, and he wasn't able to regain his form with the Athletics.

The 31-year-old right-hander was 4-2 with a 7.14 ERA in 38 games with the A's. Johnson was designated for assignment on July 24 and released the following week.

Johnson is likely to pitch a few games at Triple-A Toledo, hoping to join the AL Central-leading Tigers.