Brewers manager Ned Yost said Cordero gives him a choice late in games. Embattled closer Derrick Turnbow, an All-Star this year, is 0-4 and allowed 14 earned runs over 4 2-3 innings his last nine appearances.

“Production will decide who closes ballgames,” Yost said.

Cordero pitched a scoreless inning in the Brewers’ 4-3 loss to Cincinnati.

Mench hit .284 with 12 home runs and 50 RBIs in 87 games, going 16-for-36 (.444) his last 10 games in Texas. Earlier this season, Mench set a club record with home runs in seven straight games, one short of the major league record but the most by a right-handed hitter.

Nix, who has played 240 major league games for Texas over the past four seasons, has been in the minor leagues since batting .094 (3-for-32) in nine games in April.

Trading Lee made sense for the budget-conscious Brewers because they have several highly regarded young outfield prospects — although Cruz was considered the most promising.

Cruz was the Brewers’ minor league player of the year last season. He hit .302 with 22 doubles, 20 home runs, 73 RBIs and 17 stolen bases in 104 games at Triple-A Nashville this year. Showalter said Cruz would start in right field Saturday night.

Melvin said in recent weeks that the team was leaning toward keeping Lee and trying to sign him as a free agent — something they could still do in the offseason — but would listen if the right offer came along.

Trading Lee also made sense for the budget-conscious Brewers because they have several highly regarded young outfield prospects — although Cruz was considered the most promising.

The Brewers lost the last two games of a three-game home series against Pittsburgh earlier this week and entered play Friday six games out of the National League wild card. They were tied with Houston in the wild card standings with five teams ahead of them.

Cruz was the Brewers’ minor league player of the year last season. He has spent this season at Triple-A Nashville, where he hit .302 with 22 doubles, 20 home runs, 73 RBI and 17 stolen bases in 104 games.

MORE FROM BASEBALL

Baseball Section Front

GMs head out to work on offseason trades Report: Mets, Phillies interested in Figgins MLB blog: Tigers listening to offers for Granderson MLB blog: Can Yankees, Red Sox, Phillies get Halladay? Report: Angels still might re-sign Lackey Blyleven: Pitching to be had beyond Halladay Varitek exercises option to remain with Red Sox MLB blog: Mariners are bringing back Griffey ... why? Report: Mets begin discussions for Holliday Wainwright: Holliday wants to return to Cards Baseball Section Front   Add Baseball headlines to your news reader: