Former Atlanta Braves closer Chris Reitsma agreed Friday to a one-year, $2.05-million US contract with Seattle to become the Mariners' setup reliever.

The Calgary-raised right-hander gets $1.35 million this year and can earn additional bonuses based on appearances and games finished. Seattle has a $2.7-million option for 2008 with a $700,000 buyout.

Chris Reitsma was 1-2 with an 8.67 ERA last season for the Atlanta Braves.
(Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

Reitsma became a free agent last month when the Braves failed to offer a 2007 contract. He made $2.75 million in 2006.

Reitsma pitched for Canada at the World Baseball Classic last spring before being named the Braves' closer. He lost that job after blowing four of 12 chances. He was 1-2 with an 8.68 ERA in 27 starts before season-ending surgery on his pitching elbow on July 18.

In his final appearance of the season July 1, he felt a zinger go up his arm that caused his fingers to twitch uncontrollably.

'Proven' Reitsma to set up Putz

Reitsma, who made $2.75 million last year, will assume the Mariners' setup role for closer J.J. Putz. Seattle traded 2006 setup man Rafael Soriano to the Braves for starting pitcher Horacio Ramirez earlier this off-season.

Mark Lowe, a rookie surprise in 2006 who was on track to be Putz's setup man in '07, had arm surgery in the fall. The Mariners don't know when Lowe will return. 

"Chris is a proven, quality major-league pitcher and his ability and track record show that he can pitch at the end of games," Mariners general manager Bill Bavasi said. "When we made our trades earlier this winter, we were confident that setup-quality relief would be available to restock our bullpen."

Reitsma, who turned 29 last week, has a career record of 32-44 with 37 saves and a 4.58 ERA in 312 appearances, including 53 starts. He pitched for Cincinnati from 2001-03 before joining Atlanta in '04.

"Chris is a kid who wants to pitch every day," Seattle manager Mike Hargrove said. "In the bullpen, one of the most valuable qualities a pitcher can have is consistency, both in terms of being available and in the results he provides. Chris gives us the consistency we need as we bridge the gap from our starters to J.J."