Tavarez Signs With Rockies

Reliever Julian Tavarez, claimed on waivers last week, agreed to a $1.2 million, one-year contract with the Colorado Rockies.

The Rockies acquired the 26-year-old right-hander on waivers from the San Francisco Giants last Tuesday. Tavarez had until Sunday to decide whether to reject the claim and become a free agent.

Tavarez was 2-0 with a 5.93 ERA last season, when injuries limited him to a career-low 47 appearances. He was 5-3 with a 3.80 ERA in 60 games with the Giants in 1998 and led the majors with 89 appearances in 1997.

The Rockies claimed Tavarez the same day they sent closer Dave Veres to the St. Louis Cardinals along with starter Darryl Kile in a seven-player deal.

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