Melvin, Greinke agent to talk Thursday

After dealing directly with right-hander Zack Greinke during Spring Training, Brewers general manager Doug Melvin will shift talks about a potential contract extension to Greinke’s newly-hired agent, Casey Close.

Greinke had been previously represented by Close at CAA Sports, but had been operating without representation for more than a year. Close has since left CAA to form Excel Sports Management.

Melvin and Close will talk via telephone Thursday to “fill each other in on where discussions stand,” according to Melvin, who declined to say whether Grienke’s decision to select an agent indicated the sides were making progress toward an extension. Greinke is due to reach free agency in October.

“From here on out, Casey and I will talk,” Melvin said.

Greinke has not said whether he is open to discussions extending into the regular season. Opening Day is Friday against the Cardinals at Miller Park, and he’ll debut Saturday.

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