In what may have been the least dramatic announcement of baseball's winter meetings, right-hander David Riske signed a three-year, $13 million contract with the Brewers on Wednesday.

Riske, 31, spent last season with Kansas City, where he went 1-4 with a 2.45 ERA and four saves in 65 relief appearances. After struggling with a 6.97 ERA in April (10.1ip, 8er), he went on to post a 1.67 ERA the rest of the season (59.1ip, 11er). His overall 2.45 ERA ranked 11th among American League relievers in 2007 (minimum 50.0 innings).

After parts of eight big-league seasons Riske was 19-18 with a 3.40 ERA and 20 saves in 393 relief appearances with Cleveland (1999-2005), Boston (2006), Chicago-AL (2006) and Kansas City (2007). He held opponents to a .231 batting average, including .211 vs. lefthanders and .245 vs. righthanders.

"David has proven that he can pitch effectively at the back end of the bullpen," Brewers general manager Doug Melvin said. "His durability and consistency will be a great asset to our ballclub."

In order to make room for Riske on the 40-man roster, the Brewers designated outfielder Laynce Nix for assignment.