Brewers monitor Madson's comeback attempt
Righty trying to return from surgery, has not pitched in Majors since '11
MILWAUKEE -- The Brewers sent a scout to monitor former Phillies closer Ryan Madson's last throwing session but do not appear in hot pursuit of the right-hander, who is mounting a comeback.
Madson is a free agent and has not pitched in the Major Leagues since 2011. He signed with the Reds for 2012 but tore a ligament in his right elbow during Spring Training, underwent Tommy John surgery and missed the entire season. Madson signed with the Angels for 2013 but was not able to pitch for them, either.
As many as 50 scouts and officials crowded around an indoor batting cage in the Phoenix area last Friday to see Madson throw off a mound. He reached at least 91 mph, with some reports saying he touched 93 mph. Brewers general manager Doug Melvin said he dispatched special assistant Dick Groch as a matter of due diligence.
"We haven't discussed it at length much," Melvin said. "Out of curiosity we went to see him, but I haven't contacted his agent [Damon Lapa] since. There's a lot of workouts going on down here, a lot of players, and we'll go and watch someone when we can.
"He missed two complete years, that's the only thing right now. But he did throw fairly well. Whether he could be ready for Opening Day or not, I don't know."
A slew of clubs were on hand to see Madson throw, and one scout said it appeared the Tigers, Phillies and Blue Jays were showing the most interest.
The Brewers re-signed free agent reliever Francisco Rodriguez the same day Groch monitored Madson, and currently have closer Jim Henderson pegged for the ninth inning and Rodriguez and Brandon Kintzler for the eighth.
If Madson is holding out for a Major League contract, Milwaukee's 40-man roster is full.