Sox sign Pena

The White Sox agreed to a one-year, $1.2 million deal with right-handed pitcher Tony Pena on Monday afternoon to avoid arbitration.

Pena, 28, was 1-2 with a 3.75 ERA and one save in 35 games last year with the Sox. He started the season with the Arizona Diamondbacks before the Sox acquired him July 7 for minor-league first baseman Brandon Allen.

Since 2007, Pena is fifth among major-league relief pitchers with 66 holds. The Sox will count on him in a middle-innings role this season, with other relievers such as J.J. Putz, Matt Thornton and Bobby Jenks penciled in for the late innings.

Starting pitcher John Danks is the only player on the Sox who remains eligible for arbitration.

-Tom Musick