Brewers sign free-agent starter Kyle Lohse

PHOENIX, AZ - The Milwaukee Brewers signed free agent right-handed starter Kyle Lohse to a three-year contract today. The announcement was made by President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Doug Melvin.

"Kyle is coming off two very good years, and his experience and competitiveness will be welcomed by the club," said Melvin. "This signing makes us a better club today than we were yesterday."

Lohse, 34, has gone 30-11 with a 3.11 ERA in 63 starts over the last two seasons (399.1ip, 138er). He produced his best Major League season in 2012, going 16-3 with a 2.86 ERA in 33 starts with St. Louis as he finished seventh in National League Cy Young voting. Last season, Lohse led the National League in winning percentage (.842) and ranked among the leaders in starts (T1st), walks per 9 innings (4th, 1.62), quality starts (T4th, 24), ERA (5th), wins (T5th) and innings pitched (T7th, 211.0). He also held opponents to a career-best .239 batting average.

Lohse, who will continue to wear uniform number 26, owns a career record of 118-109 with a 4.45 ERA in 355 games (331 starts) over 12 Major League seasons with Minnesota (2001-06), Cincinnati (2006-07), Philadelphia (2007) and St. Louis (2008-12).