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Brewers sign Joba Chamberlain to minor-league deal

The reliever joins the Brewers after a stint with Cleveland last season.

MLB: Cleveland Indians at Kansas City Royals Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

The Brewers have reached a minor-league deal with reliever Joba Chamberlain, according to a report from FanRag’s Jon Heyman. The contract will pay Chamberlain a $1.375 million base salary if he reaches the majors.

Chamberlain, 31, has been a free agent since July, when he was released by the Indians. The veteran actually pitched well in his 20 innings with the Tribe, posting a 2.25 ERA while striking out 18.

Chamberlain joins recent signees Neftali Feliz and Tommy Milone as newcomers in Milwaukee’s bullpen mix alongside Corey Knebel, Carlos Torres, Rob Scahill and Jacob Barnes. The Brewers have traded Jeremy Jeffress, Will Smith and Tyler Thornburg since July, causing a bit of an overhaul of the relief corps.

Chamberlain is a veteran of 10 major-league years with the Yankees (2007-13), Tigers (2014-15), Royals (2015) and Indians (2016). He has a lifetime 3.81 ERA in that span, and finished eighth in AL Rookie of the Year voting in 2008.