Colorado Rockies sign RHP Greg Holland to one-year contract

The Colorado Rockies officially signed free agent right-handed relief pitcher Greg Holland to a one-year contract on Saturday.

To make room on the 40-man roster, the Rockies designated right-hander Eddie Butler for assignment.

Holland's contract, which includes a vesting option for a second season, includes a $7 million guarantee for the 2017 season, according to the Denver Post.

A two-time All-Star with the Kansas City Royals, the 31-year-old Holland underwent Tommy John surgery late in 2015 and missed the 2016 season as a result.

Holland played parts of six seasons with the Royals, going 18-12 with 145 saves and a 2.42 ERA. In his most recent season in 2015, he went 3-2 with 32 saves and a 3.83 ERA. Holland has averaged 12.1 strikeouts per nine innings during his career.

Butler, 25, pitched in parts of three seasons with the Rockies, including 17 appearances (nine starts) in 2016. He went 2-5 with a 7.17 ERA, with 21 walks and 47 strikeouts in 64 innings. In his career with Colorado, Butler is 6-16 in 36 outings (28 starts) with a 6.50 ERA.

"We needed a (roster) spot. We certainly didn't want to take him from the roster," Rockies general manager Jeff Bridich said of the Butler move.