Jose Valverde notched his first save of the year in the Tigers' 7-5 victory over the Royals on Wednesday. Just like riding a bike. After failing to find a high-paying closing job this winter, the 35-year-old Valverde signed a minor league contract with the Tigers on April 4 and made his first appearance with the club on Wednesday night. Facing the top of the Royals' lineup, Valverde pitched a perfect ninth inning and even hit 95 mph at one point with his fastball. The Tigers seemed to tire of the veteran righty's high-wire act after last season, but desperation has brought the two parties together again.