RADIO
Looking for an established reliever with experience closing games, the Milwaukee Brewers have plucked Chris Perez off the free agent wire, adding him on a minor league contract with an invite to spring training. If Perez makes the team, the two-time All-Star will command a $1.5 million salary plus incentives.
Perez, still only 29, has enjoyed much success in the recent past, stringing together 123 saves over a four-year stretch, which came between 2010-2013. However, he was also showing signs of decline during the end of that run with Cleveland, and was unable to impress a year ago in his first season with the Dodgers, when he finished 1-3 with a 4.27 ERA and 1.36 WHIP in 46 1/3 innings of work.
The right-hander not only will be competing for a roster spot, but it’s possible he might factor into late-inning work as well. Currently, the Brewers have not tabbed their closer going into Opening Day, with a few solid options to choose from.
Jonathan Broxton, for one, is coming back from injury and might get first dibs at the role, or it could go to former Brewers closer Jim Henderson, who lost the job in the very beginning of last season. General manager Doug Melvin also mentioned Will Smith and Jeremy Jeffress as potential options.
