Brewers add righty Lyles on claim from Padres

MILWAUKEE -- Brewers general manager David Stearns added some depth to the bullpen on Sunday by claiming right-hander Jordan Lyles off waivers from the San Diego Padres.
The 27-year-old has a 4.29 ERA in 24 appearances (eight starts) this season, but he has performed much better working out of the bullpen (3.33 ERA, 1.07 WHIP in 24 1/3 innings) than he did as a starter (4.79 ERA, 1.36 WHIP in 47 innings) and has been especially sharp of late, allowing just two runs over his last 11 2/3 innings.
"We like what he's done out of the bullpen," Stearns said. "His velocity has ticked up out of the bullpen. He's changed the usage of his secondary stuff a little bit in a way we think has had some positive results. We're excited to get him here and get him going. We think he's going to be a valuable member of this team going forward."

Stearns was familiar with Lyles from his time working in the Astros' front office. Lyles had come up through Houston's organization and at one time was Houston's top prospect.
He signed a one-year contract worth $1 million last December, which included $750,000 in salary for 2018 and a $250,000 buyout if the team doesn't exercise a $3.5 million option for next season.
"He's always had a really good arm," Stearns said. "We think he adds to the overall level of depth in our pitching staff. He'll come here and pitch out of our 'pen to begin with. We think we're adding another quality arm."
Lyles won't have too far to travel to join his new team and won't have to wait long to face his old one. The Padres wrapped up a series against the Cubs on Sunday afternoon in Chicago and open a three-game set against the Brewers on Tuesday night at Miller Park.
Milwaukee had an open spot on its 40-man roster but will need to clear a spot on the active roster to add Lyles.
"We have a couple days," Stearns said. "He'll be activated Tuesday or Wednesday and we'll make a move at that time."