WASHINGTON -- Eager to add depth to an overtaxed bullpen, the Milwaukee Brewers are close to signing veteran right-hander Julian Tavarez.
General manager Doug Melvin said the 35-year-old Tavarez, cut loose by Boston two weeks ago after going 0-1 with a 6.39 ERA in nine relief appearances, worked out for Brewers staff in Washington on Sunday. Tavarez will accompany the team back to Milwaukee after Monday's game and take a physical.
Assuming Tavarez passes the physical, he could be added to the roster as soon as Tuesday, when Milwaukee hosts Atlanta after returning from a 10-game, 11-day road trip. The Brewers have called up three minor leaguers to the bullpen during the trek.
"He hasn't pitched since May 11 but he has been throwing," Melvin said. "We've had to bring up the younger, inexperienced guys. They've done a good job, but this adds depth."
Tavarez is 84-71 with a 4.14 ERA and 22 saves in 743 career appearances, including 108 starts over 16 seasons for Cleveland, San Francisco, Colorado, the Chicago Cubs, Florida, Pittsburgh, St. Louis and Boston.
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