Jeffress glad to rejoin Brewers for 3rd stint with team
MILWAUKEE (AP) Jeremy Jeffress and the Milwaukee Brewers just can't seem to quit each other.
Jeffress was back in the Brewers' clubhouse Wednesday for his third stint with the team. Milwaukee reacquired him on Monday from Texas in exchange for minor-league pitcher Tayler Scott.
''It's definitely a homecoming, man,'' Jeffress said. ''I've always felt comfortable when I'm in this atmosphere in this place. Milwaukee's been nothing but good to me. I'm just glad to be back.''
The 29-year-old right-hander, who was with the club in 2010 and from 2014-2016, was traded to the Rangers along with catcher Jonathan Lucroy last August. The Brewers brought him back to bolster their bullpen for a playoff push.
Jeffress has had his share of setbacks off the field.
The Brewers' 2008 Minor League Pitcher of the Year, he was suspended for 50 and 100 games in 2007 and 2009, respectively, for violating the minor league drug treatment and prevention program.
Jeffress used marijuana to manage a severe case of anxiety, but the source of the problem remained undetected as he went from the Brewers to Kansas City (2011-2012) and Toronto (2013).
Jeffress made the Blue Jays' Opening Day roster, but after 10 appearances, he was sent to Triple-A Buffalo. There, the medical staff diagnosed him with juvenile epilepsy and prescribed the appropriate medication.
Jeffress went 9-3 with a 2.38 ERA in 158 games in his second stint with Milwaukee. He converted 27 of 28 save opportunities in 2016.
Shortly after joining the Rangers, he was arrested for drunken driving. He checked into an inpatient rehab clinic and spent four weeks on the MLB restricted list.
He said he's put his struggles behind him.
''Everything is going well,'' he said. ''My body is feeling good. I got my legs under me for the last laugh of the season. I'm just ready to go.''
Jeffress' role out of the bullpen is undefined for now, and he's fine with that.
''It really doesn't matter at this point,'' he said. ''The team has been doing very well. Wherever I can fit in, that's where I'll be.''
