Ian Browne of MLB.com reports that the Boston Red Sox have signed left-handed pitcher Alan Embree to a Minor League deal.

Embree returns to the team that he helped win the 2004 World Series.

“He was obviously a very huge part of a very good bullpen for us,” said Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek. “He’s got deception, he’s got experience, he’s got some power. I don’t know where he’s at time-wise right now, but he’ll be a very welcomed addition.”

Amalie Benjamin of the Boston Globe says that Embree has an opt-out clause in his contract that allows him to become a free agent and pursue other opportunities if the situation in Boston is not in his favor. Usually this means that if Embree is not on the 25-man roster, he can try to find a roster spot with another team.

Embree, 40, 2ill be entering his 17th season of Major League Baseball. He has a career record of 39-45 with a 4.59 ERA. In 2009 with the Rockies, he was 2-2 with a 5.84 ERA in 36 appearances. His 2009 campaign was cut short due to a broken leg that occurred from a line drive. You can see Embree’s contract details and career statistics here.