Brewers shockingly DFA All-Star trade acquisition after just two appearances

The Milwaukee Brewers shocked their fan base by swinging a three-player trade with the Houston Astros during the All-Star Break that landed them former All-Star and postseason hero Lance McCullers. However, the move that Milwaukee made just moments ago might be even more surprising than their decision to add McCullers during the All-Star Break. After just two relief appearances with the Brewers, McCullers has been designated for assignment.

McCullers' spot on the active roster will be taken by right-hander Garrett Stallings, who posted two scoreless appearances during a brief stint with the big-league club at the beginning of the month. Given the fact that Stallings was already a member of the Brewers' 40-man roster, the move inadvertently opens a coveted 40-man spot with just one week remaining before the midseason trade deadline.

Brewers designate Lance McCullers Jr. for assignment just 11 days after trading for him

It's a shocking move to say the least. McCullers, who spent his entire career with the Astros prior to his trade to Milwaukee on July 15, waived his no-trade clause to join the Brewers. He was commended for his professionalism in the Brewers' clubhouse, his willingness to uproot his life and join a new organization, and it was expected that his postseason experience would play an important role on Milwaukee's inexperienced pitching staff down the stretch. However, after just two relief appearances out of the Brewers' bullpen, Milwaukee has designated the nine-year veteran for assignment.

McCullers' two outings with the Brewers weren't necessarily encouraging. His first saw him surrender two earned runs in three innings while collecting four strikeouts. The second outing, however, which came last night against the Colorado Rockies, was far more frustrating. McCullers walked four batters in 1.2 innings, let the Rockies back in the game, and forced Pat Murphy to use his closer, Trevor Megill, to finish the victory. However, McCullers' outing was impacted by a throwing error from first baseman Jake Bauers, and zero of the three runs that he allowed were earned. That said, his lack of command during an outing when the Brewers simply needed him to pound the zone and pitch to contact was discouraging.

Today's roster move confirms that left-hander Colton Gordon, who is currently pitching for the Nashville Sounds, was the main piece of the Brewers' All-Star Break swap with the Astros. While McCullers could clear waivers and theoretically return to the Brewers' organization, his service time gives him all the power to reject an assignment to Triple-A and become a free agent -- something he will almost certainly do.

Many believed the Brewers could revitalize McCullers and turn him back into the postseason weapon he was during the Astros' two recent World Series wins. However, it now appears that such a strategy was never in the Brewers' plans, as they have essentially cut ties with the veteran right-hander after just two mediocre appearances. Today's move kicks off what is bound to be an interesting week for the Brewers when it comes to their roster. Perhaps McCullers' DFA will make more sense as Milwaukee's 2026 trade deadline strategy materializes.

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