Tigers pick up option on Valverde

DETROIT, Oct. 28 (UPI) -- The Detroit Tigers exercised an option on the contract with closer Jose Valverde, who led the major leagues in saves last season, for 2012.

Valverde had a team-record 49 saves for the Tigers, who won the American League Central with a 95-67 record. Valverde was 49-of-49 in save opportunities. Milwaukee's John Axford and Atlanta's Craig Kimbrel, who each has 46 saves, were next in the majors.

Valverde, 33, was 2-4 on the season, his second with Detroit, with a .224 earned run average. He has 242 saves over a nine-year career.

Valverde will make $9 million next season.