The Milwaukee Brewers bolstered their pitching roster by acquiring right-hander Aaron Civale from the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday, marking a significant move ahead of the second half of the season. In exchange, the Rays received minor-league infielder Gregory Barrios. Civale, originally acquired by the Rays at the 2023 trade deadline from the Cleveland Guardians, brings veteran experience to the Brewers’ rotation.
This season, Civale has made 17 appearances, all starts, posting a 2-6 record with a 5.07 ERA. The 29-year-old signed a one-year, $4.9 million contract in January, avoiding arbitration, and remains under team control until the 2026 season. Throughout his career spanning stints with the Guardians and Rays, Civale has started 103 games, amassing a 33-32 record and a solid 4.10 ERA.
In return, the Rays receive Gregory Barrios, a promising 20-year-old infielder currently hitting .325 with one home run, 34 RBIs, and 18 stolen bases in 61 games at High-A Wisconsin. Barrios adds depth to Tampa Bay’s farm system with his impressive offensive and defensive skills.
To accommodate Civale’s addition, the Brewers designated right-hander Taylor Clarke for assignment. Clarke, 31, had pitched to a 1-1 record with a 5.34 ERA in 10 games (eight starts) this season at Triple-A Nashville. His Major League career includes stints with the Arizona Diamondbacks (2019-21) and the Kansas City Royals (2022-23), compiling a 15-15 record with a 5.03 ERA across 183 games, including 22 starts.
Currently, the Brewers maintain a comfortable six-game lead in the National League Central division as they prepare for an upcoming road game against the Colorado Rockies. This acquisition of Civale underscores their commitment to strengthening their pitching depth as they aim for postseason success.
The addition of Civale provides the Brewers with a seasoned starter capable of contributing immediately, complementing their existing rotation and enhancing their competitiveness in the second half of the season. With a solid foundation in place, Milwaukee aims to maintain their divisional lead and position themselves strongly for a playoff run as the season progresses.
