Brewers sign free agent reliever Riske

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The Milwaukee Brewers have finalized a three-year contract with free-agent reliever David Riske, the National League club said on Wednesday.

Riske, 31, was 1-4 with a 2.45 earned run average last season with Kansas City, where he notched up four saves in 65 appearances used primarily as a set-up man.

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

Riske, who has also pitched for the Indians, Red Sox and White Sox, may be given the chance to close for the Brewers.

Milwaukee's closer last season, Francisco Cordero, signed as a free agent with the Cincinnati Reds.

(Writing by Larry Fine, Editing by Clare Fallon)