Reliever Dustin Hermanson agreed to a minor-league contract Thursday with the Reds, who haven't yet settled on a closer. The 34-year-old right-hander saved a career-high 34 games for the White Sox during their World Series championship season in 2005. His lower back began to bother him late in the season, costing him the closer's role. The back problems extended into most of last season, when he made only six appearances in September. Chicago declined a $3.65 million option on Hermanson after the season, paying a $500,000 buyout that allowed him to become a free agent.