Brewers Interested in Ryan Madson?

Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The comeback attempt is officially a go for former Philadelphia Phillies closer Ryan Madson.

Madson, who hasn’t pitched since 2011 due to Tommy John surgery in 2012 and numerous setbacks, is ready to prove to teams that he is fully healthy.

The Milwaukee Brewers sent a scout to watch Madson throw off a mound last Friday in Phoenix. About 50 scouts and baseball officials were also in attendance.

However, it seems that the Brewers were just doing their due diligence.

“Out of curiosity we went to see him, but I haven’t contacted his agent [Damon Lapa] since,” Melvin told Adam McCalvy of MLB.com. “There’s a lot of workouts going on down here, a lot of players, and we’ll go and watch someone when we can.”

With the Brewers just recently re-signing Francisco Rodriguez, there isn’t much room in the crowded bullpen. A minor-league deal is the likely course for Madson.

“He missed two complete years, that’s the only thing right now,” Melvin said. “But he did throw fairly well. Whether he could be ready for Opening Day or not, I don’t know.”

Madson has a career earned run average of 3.60 across nine major league seasons, all of which were with the Phillies. He saved 32 games and posted a 2.37 in 2011.