Francisco Rodriguez signs deal with Brewers

The Brewers and relief pitcher Francisco Rodriguez have reunited, as they have agreed to a one-year, $3.25 million deal, according to Chris Cotillo of MLB Daily Dish. The deal includes $550 thousand in incentives. The Venezuelan native spent 2011, 2012, and 2013 with the Brewers. He was traded to the Orioles during the middle of the 2013 campaign.

In 2013, the 32-year-old went 3-2 with a 2.70 ERA with 10 saves in 48 games. With the Brewers, Rodriguez was dominant, going 1-1 with a 1.09 ERA and a 1.054 WHIP with 10 saves in 25 games. Over his Brewers career, Rodrguez is 7-8 with a 3.15 ERA with 13 saves. The right-hander has led the league in saves three times: in 2005 (45), 2006 (47), and 2008 (62).

Rodriguez has used the strikeout to his advantage over his career (10.9 K/9 rate), but has been able to relatively keep his control (3.8 career BB/9 rate). 

Milwaukee had one of the best bullpens in 2013. Their staff posted a MLB fifth-best 3.19 ERA during the season last year.

Rodriguez has spent most of his 12 year career with the Los Angeles Angels (7 seasons), but has bounced around since. He has pitched with the Mets (3 seasons), Brewers (3 seasons), and Orioles (1 season) since. The Brewers originally obtained Rodriguez through trade, sending Danny Herrera and Adrian Rosario to the Mets on July 12, 2011.

The Brewers, who had a good bullpen, will get Francisco Rodriguez for a second tenure. Jim Henderson will likely begin the season as closer, but keep tabs on Rodriguez and see if he can pitch well in the back of the Brewers bullpen.