Brewers Acquire Jonathan Broxton for Stretch Run

Jul 29, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Jonathan Broxton (51) pitches during the eighth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Great American Ball Park. The Reds defeated the Diamondbacks 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports

The Milwaukee Brewers acquired Jonathan Broxton from the Cincinnati Red for two players to be named later, it was announced today.

The 30-year-old righthander fills a much-needed void in the Brewers weary bullpen and brings post-season experience as well, having pitched in 16 games in the playoffs with Los Angeles and Cincinnati since 2006.

Broxton, 6-4, 295 pounds, pitched in 51 games for the Reds this season and has a 4-2 record, with seven saves and an ERA of 1.86.

Since the trade was made before the end of today’s ‘waiver’ trading deadline, Broxton would be eligible for post-season play for Milwaukee. Broxton has 118 career saves and could fill either the set-up spot or the closer role for the Brewers.

It is not known if manager Ron Roenicke will assign bullpen roles and stick to them or use the ‘hot’ pitcher. Given the recent struggles of the back-end of the bullpen, hot hand or ‘mix-and-match’ might be the best options.

Broxton is owed about $1.2M the rest of this season (based on his $7M salary) and $9M for the 2015 season.

It seems odd that the Reds would trade a quality pitcher to a division rival, but it is possible that Cincinnati is giving up on the season.