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White Sox bolster bullpen with veterans

The White Sox have been adding young position players such as right fielder Avisail Garcia (22 years old), first baseman Jose Abreu (26), center fielder Adam Eaton (25) and third baseman Matt Davidson (22) as they look to build a new core that keeps them competitive now and in the future.

But the Sox’ bullpen, however, has a more veteran feel after right-hander Ronald Belisario, who turns 31 this month, agreed to a one-year, $3 million contract Thursday.

Sources also confirmed reports that left-hander Scott Downs, who will be 38 in March, is joining the White Sox with a one-year, $4 million contract that includes a $3.75 million club option for 2015, pending a physical.

Belisario was 5-7 with a 3.97 ERA in 77 games with the Dodgers last season. He ranked second in the National League in appearances, fourth in groundball percentage (77.9) and 11th in holds (21).

“Belisario provides us with a veteran reliever who owns a proven record of recording key outs at big moments of games,” Sox general manager Rick Hahn said in a statement. “He is a power arm with plus stuff who profiles well for our ballpark. He has experience pitching in hold and save situations, and we see him as yet another very strong option for (manager) Robin Ventura in the back end of our bullpen.”

Downs has pitched for the Cubs, Expos, Blue Jays, Angels and Braves over his 12-year career. Last season, he was a combined 4-4 with a 2.49 ERA in 68 games with Los Angeles and Atlanta.

Like Belisario, Downs does have some experience closing games with 26 career saves.

On Monday, the White Sox traded closer Addison Reed to the Diamondbacks for Davidson. Nate Jones is likely to move into the closer role, but Belisario, Downs and Matt Lindstrom might also be factors in that role.

ŸFollow Scot Gregor’s reports on Twitter @scotgregor.

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