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Brewers Swing Tiny Trade With Yankees For Bullpen Help
© David Banks-Imagn Images

Ahead of first pitch on Friday night at American Family Field, a familiar face walked into the Milwaukee Brewers clubhouse. Rob Zastryzny, carrying a gear bag adorned with the Yankees logo, had arrived in Milwaukee.

Zastryzny, most recently pitching with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in the New York Yankees system, had been acquired by the Brewers as the official word came down.

The Brewers had an open 40 man roster spot and they immediately placed him on the roster and activated him for Friday night's series opener against the Minnesota Twins. Elvis Peguero was optioned to Triple-A Nashville as the corresponding move.

Brewers acquire Rob Zastryzny from Yankees

The Brewers sent cash considerations to the Yankees for the 33 year old Zastryzny. This year in Triple-A, Zastryzny pitched in 13 games and had a 4.50 ERA with five holds. He struck out 12 and has yet to allow a walk this season.

Brewers manager Pat Murphy said, "(Hudson) had some issues with his command, we need an extra lefty here."

The Brewers optioned Bryan Hudson to Triple-A on Wednesday to make a roster spot for Logan Henderson. Adding Zastryzny back gets the Brewers to three lefties in the bullpen.

Milwaukee had Zastryzny in 2024, where he pitched quite well, posting a 1.17 ERA in nine games. Unfortunately injuries cut his season short and the Brewers opted not to keep him over the offseason and he signed a minors deal with the Yankees.

The familiarity with Zastryzny played a factor in the Brewers acquiring him from the Yankees. Another factor was that he had an "out" or an upward mobility clause in his minor league contract with the Yankees. The Yankees had to add him to the big league roster or let him go and they found a trade partner that was willing to put him on the big league team. 

Peguero has appeared in six games for the Brewers this year and last pitched on Monday against Cleveland, throwing a scoreless inning.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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