The Milwaukee Brewers have strengthened their bullpen for the September stretch run as they have acquired hard-throwing reliever Jonathan Broxton from the Cincinnati Reds. In return, the Reds will receive two players to be named later.
The #Brewers have acquired RHP Jonathan Broxton from Cincinnati in exchange for two players to be named. Broxton joins the team tomorrow.
— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) August 31, 2014
Broxton began the season on the disabled list while recovering from surgery to repair a torn flexor tendon in his right elbow. He recovered early in April to post a record of 4-2 with a 1.86 ERA and 1.01 WHIP in 51 relief appearance for the Reds although he did struggle to an 0-2 record and 5.23 ERA in August. He is also 7 for 13 in save opportunities officially.
The Brewers' bullpen is ranked ninth in the National League in ERA at 3.66, and they also have 18 blown saves. Broxton worked as the primary setup man for Aroldis Chapman in Cincinnati, and he will most likely serve in that same role for Milwaukee.
Broxton also gives the Brewers an extra closer for times when Francisco Rodriguez needs a rest. Besides Rodriguez's 39 saves, only one other Brewer has a save -- Will Smith with one. Broxton has closer experience with both the Reds and the Los Angeles Dodgers. He has 118 career saves, and three times he has topped 20 saves with a career high of 36 in 2009 while with Los Angeles.
Making this trade today allows Broxton to pitch on the postseason roster for Milwaukee, who enter play on August 31 leading the N.L. Central by one game over the St. Louis Cardinals. Players must appear on a team's 40-man roster before September 1 to qualify for postseason play.