The Brewers have claimed right-hander Jose De La Torre off waivers from the Red Sox and optioned him to their Rookie-level affiliate in Helena, which is currently in the Pioneer League playoffs, according to Brewers senior director of media relations Mike Vassallo (on Twitter). De La Torre was designated for assignment by Boston on Tuesday to clear roster space for Clay Buchholz, who was returning from an extended stay on the 60-day disabled list.
De La Torre will turn 28 in October after enjoying a solid season for Triple-A Pawtucket in 2013. The Puerto Rican hurler fired 52 1/3 innings of 2.75 ERA ball with 10.1 K/9 and 4.6 BB/9, though he didn't fare as well at the big league level. Making his Major League debut this season, De La Torre allowed eight runs pn 10 hits and 10 walks in 11 1/3 innings (6.35 ERA). He did manage to strike out 15 batters in that brief time and generate a 13.5 percent swinging-strike rate despite a fastball that averaged just 91.5 mph.
De La Torre can serve as bullpen depth on a Brewers' 40-man roster that has traded away Francisco Rodriguez and John Axford this season and will see lefty Mike Gonzalez depart via free agency at season's end.
