Cordero returns to baseball with a minor league deal with the Angels (Photos)

Former Washington Nationals closer Chad Cordero has signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

Most veterans typically receive an invitation to spring training when they sign a minor league contract with a club. However, this contract does not give Cordero an opportunity to earn an Opening Day roster spot through Spring Training.

He will report to their minor league camp this weekend.

He has not pitched in the Majors since the 2010 season when he pitched in nine games for the Seattle Mariners. He also pitched in the Toronto Blue Jays farm team early in the 2011 season.

With the Blue Jays farm team, he had a 9.89 ERA in 23 2/3 innings. He then was released by the Blue Jays and signed a contract within Independent baseball.

He would then retire in 2011, and was away from baseball last season.

Cordero was with the Montreal Expos/Washington Nationals from the 2004 through the 2007 season. He recorded 127 saves with a 2.83 ERA with the team.

He also made an All-Star game, after having major shoulder surgery and his career has gone downhill from there.