Brewers fill final opening on 40-man roster by claiming pitcher Dylan Baker from Cleveland

The Milwaukee Brewers filled the only opening on their 40-man roster Monday by claiming right-hander Dylan Baker, who barely has pitched in the minors the past three years due to a series of injuries.

Baker, 25, was designated for assignment last week by the Cleveland Indians during a series of moves to readjust their 40-man roster. He has yet to make it to the Class AAA level.

A fifth-round draft pick by the Indians in 2012 out of Western Nevada College, Baker missed much of the 2014 season after suffering a broken fibula when struck by a come-backer during spring training. After pitching five no-hit innings at Class A Lynchburg in his first start in 2015, he underwent Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery and missed the rest of that season.

Baker would not pitch again for more than two years. He had complications from the Tommy John surgery that required two additional procedures, forcing him to sit out the entire 2016 season.

Baker finally returned to action this year, switching from a starting role to relief duty. He made 17 appearances between rookie ball and the Class AA level, going 1-1 with a 2.70 ERA over 16 2/3 innings.

Overall, Baker has pitched in 65 games (48 starts) in the minors, going 12-11 with a 3.58 ERA. In 241 2/3 innings, he has allowed 215 hits and 98 walks while logging 213 strikeouts.

Brewers general manager David Stearns said Baker is completely healthy now and still has minor-league options, which provides the flexibility of giving him more innings in the farm system.

"Dylan has a live arm and when healthy, he has proven to have the ability to throw strikes with premium velocity," Stearns said.