D-backs closing in on deal with Takashi Saito

PHOENIX — The D-backs are closing in on a one-year deal with free agent reliever Takashi Saito, a baseball source confirmed Monday.

Saito, 41, was 4-2 with a 2.03 ERA for the Brewers in 2011 while being limited to 30 games with oblique and calf issues.

In six seasons, the Japanese born right-hander has a 2.18 ERA and 84 saves. He had a career-best 39 saves with the Dodgers in 2007.

The D-backs had been in the market for a veteran reliever to pitch in a setup role and Saito certainly fits the bill. They expressed interest in him during last week’s Winter Meetings, but GM Kevin Towers wanted to wait until getting a veteran starting pitcher signed so he knew how much money he would have left in his budget.

– Steve Gilbert