Dodgers close to a two-year deal with left-hander J.P. Howell

The Dodgers are close to re-signing left-hander J.P. Howell to a two-year, $11.25-million contract, according to a person who spoke under the condition of anonymity because the deal hasn’t been finalized.

The prospective deal would include a $6.25-million option for a third year.

Howell posted a career-best 2.03 earned-run average in 67 appearances with the Dodgers this year. He will solidify the back end of the bullpen, which will also return closer Kenley Jansen and setup man Brian Wilson.

Howell’s last contract was for one year and paid a base salary of $2.85 million.

Left-handed relievers have landed some lucrative contracts this off-season on the free-agent market.

Javier Lopez signed a three-year, $13-million deal with the San Francisco Giants in November. Boone Logan received a three-year, $16.5-million contract from the Colorado Rockies.