Reds Sign Jair Jurrjens

July 3, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Jair Jurrjens (49) pitches in the second inning against the Chicago Cubs at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

The Cincinnati Reds announced Tuesday that they had signed pitcher Jair Jurrjens to a minor-league deal. Jurrjens is coming off knee surgery he had last September, he has reportedly been throwing in the 90’s as he rehabs.

Jurrjens is coming off knee surgery that last season after only 2 appearances for the Baltimore Orioles. This is a no-risk signing for the Reds, it is only a minor league deal that could see Jurrjens be brought up to the majors. He has generally been a starter for most of his career, the Reds should try to use him in a reliever role.

In 2011 Jurrjens was an All-Star for the Atlanta Braves. He went 13-6 with a 2.96ERA on only 23 starts. An untimely knee injury derailed the second half of his 2011 season.

2012 saw Jurrjens luck go from bad to worse as his season was an absolute disaster. 11 starts resulted in a 6.89 ERA before a groin injury halted his dismal 2012 season to that point. Then again in 2013 Jurrjens only had 2 appearances for the Baltimore Orioles.

Jurrjens hasn’t really hit the 90mph range since the 2010/2011 season, the news that he is already up there is a good sign for the Reds. Cincinnati is obviously hoping Jurrjens returns to his former form, if he does the Reds could definitely use him.

There are no opening spots in the rotation for Jurrgens now. Alfredo Simon will continue to fill in for Mat Latos. Once Latos returns there will be no other open spots. The Reds could in all theory put Mike Leake or Tony Cingrani in the bullpen to keep Simon in the rotation. Jurrjens would be a great back up to the starting rotation. Hopefully he can find his old form.