SAN FRANCISCO — The National League Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers acquired right-handed reliever Jonathan Broxton from the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday for two players to be named.
The Brewers announced the move to bolster their bullpen before the series finale against the San Francisco Giants. Broxton is 4-2 with a 1.86 ERA and seven saves in 51 appearances this season, and he will be called upon to help set up for closer Francisco Rodriguez.
“I like the pieces we have in our bullpen, but we’re talking about a guy that’s a pretty special guy,” Brewers manager Ron Roenicke said. “He’s got great stuff, he competes well, he’s a good teammate, and I think it puts another piece there where I can pitch guys exactly how I want to.”
Broxton, 30, is scheduled to join the team Monday in Chicago and is eligible for the postseason roster because the move was made prior to Sept. 1. His addition from a division rival will be a big boost to a beat-up, taxed bullpen — and an acquisition Milwaukee had been looking to make. The Brewers add Broxton’s $9 million salary for 2015 and a $9 million mutual option for 2016.
“Part of the thinking was his contract. We had to recognize we’re taking on this contract for next year, too,” Brewers general manager Doug Melvin said. “You try to get somebody who can help. There’s a lot of big money guys today, whether they’re relievers or (position) players, whatever. We’ve done a pretty good job with bullpens without having to spend a lot of money.”
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