Brewers Sign Claudio Vargas To Minor League Deal, Bringing Him Back For Third Time

The Brewers have signed right-handed pitcher Claudio Vargas to a minor league deal, according to his agent (via MLB Daily Dish). Vargas had a 4.22 ERA in eleven appearances for Laguna in the Mexican League in 2012, walking two and striking out nine in 10.2 innings of work.

Vargas is still only 33 years old but is an eight year major league veteran with a 4.83 career ERA over 217 appearances (114 starts). This is his third tour of duty in the Brewer organization: He pitched in 29 games (23 starts) for the 2007 Brewers, then came back in a trade with the Dodgers two seasons later and made 45 appearances in relief between 2009 and 2010.

Vargas hasn't pitched in the majors since the Brewers released him in June of 2010. He last pitched in affiliated ball with the Rockies in 2011, but retired in June after posting an 11.08 ERA in eight AAA appearances. He's likely to be assigned to either Huntsville or Nashville.

UPDATE: He's headed to Nashville.