Athletics claim Brewers' southpaw off waivers after unfortunate DFA

The dog days of August are not a great time for MLB teams to lose pitching depth. This time of year, pitching staffs are fatigued, young arms are approaching career-highs in innings pitched in a single season, and organizational depth becomes far more important. However, during a time when they are trying to navigate a 17-games-in-17-days stretch while making use of a six-man rotation to give their young starters more rest, the Milwaukee Brewers have lost two relief arms who played small, but necessary roles on their 2026 roster.

Over the weekend, the Brewers designated right-hander Bryse Wilson for assignment, despite him putting together a solid stretch of games with the Brew Crew, because they needed a fresh arm in the 'pen with their relief corps short handed due to the six-man rotation. Wilson cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A, but the veteran right-hander rejected the assignment and elected free agency instead.

The day after the Brewers DFA'd Wilson, Milwaukee's rookie shortstop Cooper Pratt went down with a hamstring strain that landed him on the 10-day IL. To replace Pratt on the big-league roster, Milwaukee signed former Pittsburgh Pirates utility man Ji Hwan Bae, who had been playing for the New York Mets' Triple-A squad. In order to add Bae to their active roster, the Brewers first had to open a 40-man roster spot, resulting in Milwaukee designating left-hander Drew Rom for assignment.

There was some hope that the 26-year-old Rom would pass through waivers and stay in the Brewers' organization as valuable depth in Triple-A. However, as reported by the Brewers just moments ago, the Athletics have claimed Rom off waivers, killing the hope that the southpaw would remain in Milwaukee's minor league system.

Brewers lose valuable Triple-A pitching depth as Athletics claim Drew Rom off waivers

The Brewers signed Rom, who made eight starts for the St. Louis Cardinals back in 2023 and hadn't appeared in the big leagues since, to a minor league contract during the offseason. Rom had spent the entirety of his professional career as a starting pitcher, but the Brewers elected to convert him to a reliever, and the results speak for themselves.

In 31 appearances for the Triple-A Nashville Sounds, Rom posted a 2.20 ERA with a stellar 36.1% strikeout rate. He made his long-awaited return to the big leagues back in early June, and enjoyed a productive two-week stint out of the Brewers' bullpen. All in all, Rom made five appearances for the Brewers this year and posted a solid 3.18 ERA.

Unless a string of injuries forced the Brewers' hand, there wasn't necessarily a clear path for Rom to return to the big leagues this year, especially after Milwaukee's front office added two relievers, Antonio Senzatela and JoJo Romero, at the trade deadline. Even still, having effective arms like Rom to turn to when needed is one reason the Brewers have been so successful in recent years. Pitching depth is a key part of a successful regular season, and the Brewers lost two important pieces in Wilson and Rom over the weekend.

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