Brewers sign ex-closer Francisco Rodriguez to minor-league deal

MILWAUKEE -- The Milwaukee Brewers have brought back reliever Francisco Rodriguez, signing the right-hander to a minor league deal. The Brewers made the

Francisco Rodriguez was 2-7 with a 4.38 ERA and three saves in 78 games last season for Milwaukee :: Paul Nordmann/Getty Images

MILWAUKEE -- The Milwaukee Brewers have brought back reliever Francisco Rodriguez, signing the right-hander to a minor league deal.

The Brewers made the move Wednesday. Their bullpen has been a sore spot early this season.

The 31-year-old Rodriguez played for Milwaukee the last year and a half. He pitched 78 games last season, going 2-7 with three saves and a 4.38 ERA.

Rodriguez set the single-season saves record with 62 in 2008 with the Angels.

The Brewers got K-Rod from the New York Mets in a trade in July 2011. He is a four-time All-Star and has led the league in saves three times.

Milwaukee has used Rodriguez as a setup man, rather than as a closer.