b j ryan

The Chicago Cubs signed former Toronto closer B.J. Ryan to a minor league deal Thursday, hoping to add another left-hander to their bullpen.

Released by the Blue Jays earlier this month, the 33-year-old Ryan will first report to the Cubs' spring training complex in Mesa, Ariz.

If all goes well, he'll join Triple-A Iowa.

The Toronto Blue Jays have released one-time closer B.J. Ryan and activated current closer Scott Downs from the 15-day disabled list.

Toronto announced the moves before Wednesday night's game against Tampa Bay. Ryan has struggled this season, going 1-1 with a 6.53 ERA in 25 relief appearances.

The left-hander allowed 22 hits, including five homers, and 17 walks over 20 2-3 innings.