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MILWAUKEE -- The Milwaukee Brewers signed free agent relief pitcher David Riske to a three-year contract Wednesday to shore up the loss of two pitchers in the bullpen.

"His durability and consistency will be a great asset to our ballclub," Milwaukee general manager Doug Melvin said.

Riske

Riske will get $13 million over three years, with a $4.75 million option for 2011. With the incentives package and option, the deal could net as much as $20 million.

The signing of the right-hander comes after the departures of free agents Scott Linebrink to the Chicago White Sox and Francisco Cordero to the Cincinnati Reds.

The 31-year-old Riske had a 1-4 record, 2.45 ERA and four saves in 65 relief appearances for Kansas City last season. His ERA ranked 11th among AL relievers who pitched at least 50 innings.

In his career, Riske is 19-18 with a 3.40 ERA and 20 saves in 393 relief appearances with Cleveland, Boston, the White Sox and Royals.

To make room for him on the 40-man roster, the Brewers designated outfielder Laynce Nix for assignment.

The Royals had been offered Riske a two-year deal for about $6 million at the start of this offseason, but the market price for middle relievers has climbed upward again, driven in part by the four-year, $19 million deal signed by Linebrink with the White Sox.

Information from ESPN The Magazine senior writer Buster Olney and The Associated Press was used in this report.