VENADOS PICK UP DIAMONDBACKS PITCHER ROSALES

The Mazatlan Venados have strengthened their bullpen for the upcoming Mexican Pacific League season by adding Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Leo Rosales to their roster.

A 29-year-old Los Angeles native, the right-handed Rosales was a 20th Round Padres draft pick in 2003 out of Cal State-Northridge but was sent to the Diamondbacks organization during the 2007 season for infielder Scott Hairston. He made his MLB debut with Arizona that year, and in three truncated seasons with the D-Backs has earned a 5-2 record with a 4.98 earned-run average in 74 appearances. Rosales pitched last winter for Hermosillo, going 3-1 with four saves and a 4.50 ERA.

Rosales becomes the fifth Venados import for 2010-11, joining Ruben Rivera, Jon Weber, Matt Clark and Elliott Johnson. He’s expected to be the team’s closer.