Former Los Angeles Dodgers right-handed pitcher Vicente Padilla has decided to move back to the American League. Padilla has signed a one-year minor-league deal with the Boston Red Sox with an invitation to spring training. Padilla will make $1.5 million if he makes the major league team, per the Boston Herald.
Padilla had an injury-plagued season in 2011, missing 142 of the Dodgers' 161 games while on the disabled list. He signed a one-year deal with a $2 million base salary and potentially $9 million more in incentives for both starting and relieving. He pitched in nine games for the Dodgers, put up a 4.15 ERA and recorded three saves, but did not qualify for any of his potential bonuses.
Padilla, 34, began the season on the disabled list after having right forearm surgery on February 24. He was activated from the disabled list on April 22 and within a week took over as closer after Jonathan Broxton struggled. Padilla last pitched on May 13 before going on the disabled list with a right radial nerve irritation that kept him out the rest of the season.
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