The Phillies, continuing to fortify their pitching staff, have re-signed free-agent left-hander J.C. Romero to a three-year, $12 million contract, according to major-league sources.
The deal includes a club option for a fourth year that could bring the total value of the deal to $16.75 million.
Romero would continue in the role he filled after joining the Phillies last season, joining right-handers Ryan Madson and Tom Gordon and newly acquired closer Brad Lidge in the late innings.
The contract caps a big turnaround for Romero, whom the Phillies claimed off waivers in June.
Romero is 28-24 with a 4.64 ERA in nine seasons. He played for Minnesota from 1999-2005 and had his best season in 2002 when he went 9-2 with a 1.89 ERA, helping to guide the Twins to the American League Championship Series. He has also played for the Angels and Red Sox.