Brewers sign LHP Duke to minor-league deal
The Milwaukee Brewers have signed veteran left-hander Zach Duke to a minor-league contract with an invitation to big league spring training.
Duke spent 2013 with Washington and Cincinnati, appearing in 25 games out of the bullpen and making one start. The 30-year-old posted a 6.03 ERA last season, but allowed just one run in 8 2/3 innings of relief after joining the Reds on Aug. 30.
Most of his 2012 season was spent in Triple-A, as Duke last spent a full season in the big leagues in 2011 with Arizona. He made 21 appearances and nine starts for the Diamondbacks with a 4.93 ERA.
Duke's best season came in 2009 with Pittsburgh when he was named to the National League All-Star team and finished 11-16 with a 4.06 ERA in 32 starts for the Pirates.
According to Fangraphs.com, Duke's fastball averaged 87.4 miles per hour last season, which is slightly below his career average of 88.1. He also throws a slider, curveball and changeup.
Duke carries a career record of 50-76 with a 4.57 ERA in 215 games over nine seasons with Pittsburgh, Arizona, Washington and Cincinnati.
Follow Andrew Gruman on Twitter