Brewers Release Vargas

In a bit of a gamble and a big surprise, the Milwaukee Brewers released Claudio Vargas on Tuesday.

After unsuccessfully trying to trade him, the veteran right-hander will be on release waivers for two more days -- leaving any team the option of claiming him for $1 with the responsibility of paying his $3.6 million salary -- before he becomes a free agent.

This move pretty much sets the rotation for the regular season behind Opening Day starter Ben Sheets as Jeff Suppan, Dave Bush, Carlos Villanueva and Manny Parra, respectively.

With lefty Chris Capuano most likely out for the season and facing Tommy John surgery to repair his torn elbow ligament, the top two candidates for a rotation replacement are minor leaguers Chris Narveson and Zach Jackson.

Vargas was 3-1 with a 3.86 ERA this Spring. Last season, he went 11-9 with a 5.09 ERA, missing some time due to a back injury.

[MLB.com] | [Right Field Bleachers] | [Brew Crew Ball]