The Milwaukee Brewers bolstered their bullpen Tuesday, claiming right-handed reliever Neil Ramirez from the Chicago Cubs.
To make room for Ramirez on the roster the Brewers designated infielder Colin Walsh for assignment. A Rule 5 pick, Walsh, if he clears waivers, has to be offered back to the Oakland A's for half the $50,000 cost of selecting him in the Rule 5 draft. If Oakland decides not to bring Walsh back, he could be sent to somewhere in the Brewers' farm system.
Ramirez, who turned 27 on May 27, pitched in 77 games for the Cubs beginning in 2014, posting a 2.20 ERA, 1.179 WHIP and 10.7 strikeouts per nine innings. However, in 7 2/3 innings this season, Ramirez had a 4.70 ERA and 1.696 WHIP. While he struck out 10, Ramirez walked eight. In his rookie season, Ramirez posted a 1.44 ERA and 1.053 WHIP in 43 2/3 innings. He pitched just 14 innings for Chicago in 2015.
Ramirez, who was designated for assignment last week, was acquired by the Cubs from Texas as the player to be named later in a trade which sent current Brewers starter Matt Garza from Chicago to Texas at the trade deadline.
Walsh appeared in 38 games for the Brewers, but mainly as a pinch hitter. He appeared in the field in just 14 games at third base, second base and the outfield, with nine starts, all at third. His last start occurred May 9.
Walsh had 15 walks but just four hits, accounting for an .085/.317/.106 slash line. He also struck out 22 times in 63 plate appearances.
