Brewers Designate Arcenio Leon for Assignment to Complete Mike Gonzalez Deal

The Brewers officially announced the signing of left handed reliever Mike Gonzalez today. To open up a spot on the 40-man roster for Gonzalez, the team designated pitcher Arcenio Leon for assignment.

Leon being DFA'd comes as little surprise. When it was first reported that the Brewers and Gonzalez came to an agreement, Leon, a right handed reliever from Venezuela, was the a popular pick among those speculating on who would be removed from the team's 40-man roster. Now 26, Leon was claimed off of waivers from the Astros back in early November. At the time, he was just the 34th man on the 40-man roster.

Prior to the Brewers claiming him, Leon had spent his entire eight year career with Houston, but has played just one game above Double-A. Overall he has posted a 4.40 career ERA while maintaining a 7.9 K/9. Walks have always been an issue for Leon, with a career 5.2 BB/9 and just one season with under a 4.5 BB/9.

Leon will likely be put on waivers by the Brewers in hopes that he is not claimed and will accept a minor league assignment.