Free-agent reliever Francisco Rodriguez is returning to the Milwaukee Brewers after signing a one-year, $3.25 million contract on Friday.
The deal includes the potential to earn an additional for $550,000 in bonuses for appearances and innings pitched. Rodriguez was traded by the Brewers to the Baltimore Orioles last July and became a free agent after the 2013 season.
Rodriguez, who has 304 career saves, is expected to fill a setup role this season for the Brewers. Jim Henderson is Milwaukee’s closer.
The 32-year-old Rodriguez has a career 41-36 record with a 2.70 ERA in 730 relief appearances with the Los Angeles Angels, New York Mets, Brewers and Orioles. Last season, he posted a combined 3-2 record with an 2.70 ERA and 10 saves in 46 2/3 innings.
K-Rod set a major league season record with 62 saves for the Angels in 2008.
The Brewers cleared space for Rodriguez on the 40-man roster by designating right-hander Donovan Hand for assignment.