MILWAUKEE -- The rebuilding Brewers are taking a chance on outfielder Rymer Liriano, a former top prospect cut loose last week by the Padres.
Milwaukee sent left-handed reliever Trevor Seidenberger to San Diego on Friday for the 24-year-old Liriano, who ranked among MLB.com's top 60 prospects three years ago and is now out of options. He is strikeout-prone (752 whiffs in 738 career Minor League games) but is a career .277/.350/.435 hitter in seven pro seasons while manning all three outfield positions. He briefly made it to the Major Leagues in 2014.
Liriano, who slots in at No. 20 on MLB.com's Brewers top prospects list, became available when the Padres designated him for assignment on Friday to make room for free-agent acquisition Alexei Ramirez.
"We believe [Liriano] is someone who adds to our outfield depth," said Brewers GM David Stearns. "He is out of options, so he will come to Spring Training and compete for a spot on the team. He has the ability to play all three outfield positions, so that versatility will help him."
Liriano has made most of his professional starts in right field, but also has extensive experience in center, which is one of Milwaukee's most uncertain positions at the Major League level. At Triple-A El Paso last season, Liriano batted .292 with a .383 on-base percentage, 14 home runs and 18 stolen bases.
Seidenberger, 23, was a 12th-round Draft pick in 2013. He posted a 3.06 ERA and five saves in 22 games at advanced Class A Brevard County before a promotion to Double-A Biloxi.
To make room for Liriano on a full 40-man roster, the Brewers designated outfielder Shane Peterson for assignment. Peterson briefly served as Milwaukee's starting center fielder last August under former general manager Doug Melvin.
"Shane is a guy who we believe has value," said Stearns. "We're at the point now where every time we add someone to the 40-man roster, we have to make a tough decision as to who comes off. Shane is a Major League player. He has proven that. I'm confident he will get opportunities again, whether it's with us or elsewhere."