Brewers to call up K-Rod
General manager Doug Melvin said the Milwaukee Brewers would add former closer Francisco Rodriguez to their 25-man roster rather than having the veteran pitcher exercise an opt-out clause to become a free agent.
Rodriguez, per Melvin, pitched aggressively in extending spring training and the minor leagues and the team is pleased with his conditioning, which had been a concern before he was signed April 17 amid unrest in the bullpen over John Axford's shaky start.
Rodriguez struck out 72 batters in 72 innings with the Brewers last season but wasn't signed as a free agent in the offseason and remained unemployed until last month. He has been pitching for the Brewers Triple-A affiliate in Nashville.
According to MLB Network, his one-year contract could be worth up to $2 million if Rodriguez achieves unknown escalators in the deal.
