Brewers sign pitcher to minor league deal

The Milwaukee Brewers have signed right-handed pitcher Alfredo Figaro, who was impressive in Dominican Winter League play, to a minor league contract with an invitation to major league spring training. Figaro, 28, pitched for Licey in the Dominican Winter League, posting a 2.63 ERA in six appearances, including three starts. His manager in the league was Brewers Triple-A skipper Mike Guerrero. The native of the Dominican Republic began his career in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization in 2004 before signing with the Detroit Tigers in 2005. Rising through the system to become one of Detroit's top prospects, Figaro made his major league debut in 2009 and appeared in 13 games over two seasons for the Tigers. He went 2-4 with a 6.54 ERA, walking 18 and striking out 21 in 31 23 career innings. After bouncing between Detroit and Triple-A Toledo in 2010, Figaro signed with the Orix Buffaloes of the Japanese Pacific League. During two seasons in Japan, Figaro was 8-11 with a 3.31 ERA, striking out 127 and walking 55 in 35 games. Figaro joins fellow pitchers Jairo Asencio, Darren Byrd and Travis Webb, as well as catcher Dayton Buller and infielders Hector Gomez and Donnie Murphy, as nonroster invitees to spring training.