Vaqueros’ Estrada claimed by Brewers

GLENDALE — On the advice of a former minor-league pitching coach, Marco Estrada found a new home Wednesday afternoon.

Estrada, a former Glendale Community College pitcher, was claimed by the Milwaukee Brewers from the Washington Nationals after the right-hander spent parts of the past two seasons with Washington.

Rick Gale, who served as pitching coach last season with the Syracuse Chiefs, the triple-A affiliate of the Nationals, worked closely with Estrada before Estrada was called up late in the 2008 and 2009 campaigns. Gale is now the pitching coach of the Nashville Sounds, the Brewers’ triple-A squad.

“Based on Rich’s recommendation, we decided to make a claim,” Milwaukee assistant General Manager Gord Ash told mlb.com. “He’s not exactly young at 26, but he’s a younger guy that we had some strong reports on.”

Estrada made 15 appearances during the last two seasons with Washington, which picked him in the sixth round of the 2005 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft out of Long Beach State. Estrada spent most of last season at Syracuse, going 9-5 with a 3.63 earned-run average in 25 starts and two relief appearances.

He earned his second straight late-season promotion to Washington in September.

Estrada, who made his major league debut as a reliever, finished the season 0-1 with a 6.14 ERA.

To make room on the full 40-man roster for Estrada, the Brewers designated pitcher Tim Dillard for assignment.

Estrada is the second player with area ties to join Milwaukee. Glendale native and catcher Gregg Zaun signed as a free agent in December.