Former closer Jose Valverde accepted his assignment to Triple-A Toledo, according to the organization on Thursday, and will go to the minor leagues to continue working on his mechanical issues.

The Tigers designated the 35-year-old relief pitcher for assignment a week earlier, and he cleared waivers on Monday. The only thing that remained for him was to decide if he wanted to accept the assignment to the minors, or become a free agent.

“I’m glad he’s going to stay in the organization,” Tigers manager Jim Leyland said, “and just see if he can possibly go down there and get it straightened out.”

In 20 appearances with the Tigers, after the brought him to the majors, Valverde was 0-1 with a 5.59 ERA and nine saves in 12 chances. The organization re-signed him to an incentive-laden minor-league deal in April, then brought him up to the majors a month later.