MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee Brewers picked up some left-handed batting insurance by signing veteran third baseman Mike Lamb on Friday.

Lamb, who was designated for assignment by the Minnesota Twins on Aug. 25, was in uniform and in the dugout against the San Diego Padres Friday night. The 33-year-old veteran began his career with the Texas Rangers and also played for the Houston Astros, for whom he played in the World Series in 2004.

Lamb, who turned 33 last month, hasn't played since Aug. 24 and had just 16 at-bats in August. Brewers manager Ned Yost said he'd likely give Lamb a few days to get back into game shape before using him.

He hit .232 with one home run and 32 RBIs for the Twins, who signed him to a two-year deal during the offseason.

"There's a difference between being in uniform and playing," Yost said. "We'll get his feet back on the ground."

Those feet aren't likely to see much time in the field because the Brewers already have three third basemen — Bill Hall, who has been seeing regular duty of late; Craig Counsell, who also serves as a backup at shortstop and second; and Russell Branyan, who's been on the disabled list because of an oblique problem since Aug. 12. Branyan has began throwing, but has yet to resume hitting.

Yost said he can see Lamb seeing some time as a pinch-hitter.

"That's why (general manager Doug Melvin) got him," Yost said. "He's got postseason experience, World Series experience and he knows the National League, especially (the Central Division). There are a lot of plusses to him."

Due to the late signing date, Lamb would not be eligible for the postseason if the Brewers should make the playoffs.

To make room for Lamb on the 40-man roster, the Brewers designated for assignment minor league catcher Lou Palmisano, who played just 19 games for Class A Brevard County this season after suffering a knee injury early in spring training.

Jeffress thankful for support

A year ago, there were serious doubts about how far right-hander Jeremey Jeffress was going to go in the organization, his first-round selection in the June 2006 notwithstanding, because of positive drug tests involving marijuana.

On Friday night, after a season in which he missed the first 40 games because of a drug-related suspension that carried over from last season, Jeffress was at Miller Park receiving the highest award for a Brewers minor league pitcher.

Jeffress, whose turns 21 on Sept. 21, was named the organization's pitcher of the year after a season he split at Brevard County and Class AA Hunstville.

Jeffress, whose fastball has been clocked at 100 mph, was 6-7 with a 4.31 ERA in 94 innings this season. The most impressive number he logged, though, was 115 strikeouts.

"They stayed behind me through my addictions," Jeffress said. "It was a wakeup call. Milwaukee stayed behind me. They didn't get down on me."

Jeffress, who is projected to start next season at Huntsville with a good shot of moving up to Class AAA Nashville, said he learned a valuable lesson while serving his suspension that started with 10 games last season.

"It's not worth it," he said of smoking marijuana. "What are you gaining? It's just not worth it."