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Milwaukee Brewers Pitcher Aaron Civale Issues Statement After Requesting Trade

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Robin M Adams | Last updated Jun 12, 2025 7:37 PM ET

On Thursday, the Milwaukee Brewers will start a four-game weekend series with the St. Louis Cardinals. It is vital for the Brewers to perform well in this series for a couple of reasons. Obviously, winning against the Cardinals, who are ahead of them in the standings, will help them gain ground in the division. Additionally, Milwaukee has dropped each of its past series, both at home.

In an effort to get off to a good start in this crucial divisional matchup, the Brewers have called up Jacob Misiorowski, the number four prospect in their system, their best minor league pitcher, and the 68th ranked prospect in all of baseball.

Bringing up Misiorowski, though, meant that some changes needed to be made on the roster.

The Milwaukee Brewers Moved Aaron Civale to the Bullpen

Milwaukee Brewers: Starting Pitcher Has Requested a Trade After Move to Bullpen 1 Mar 30, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Aaron Civale (32) reacts after allowing a two run home run to New York Yankees third baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. (not pictured) during the third inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

In order to make room for Misiorowski on the active roster, the Brewers optioned Easton McGee back to Triple-A Nashville. Additionally, they transferred Brandon Woodruff back to the 60-day injured list in order to create a spot for their young rookie on the 40-man roster.

This does not mean Woodruff will be out for another 60 days. The move was made solely for the purpose of creating a spot for Misiorowski on the 40-man roster.

These moves, though, did not create a spot for the fireballer with a 103 mile per hour fastball in the starting rotation. In order to do that, the Brewers decided to move Aaron Civale from the starting rotation to the bullpen, a move that he was not happy with.

As a result, Civale informed Milwaukee that he would like to be traded.

Aaron Civale Explains Why He Asked the Milwaukee Brewers to Trade Him

Milwaukee Brewers Pitcher Aaron Civale Issues Statement After Requesting Trade 2 Sep 26, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Aaron Civale (32) delivers a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

On Thursday, which happens to be Civale’s 30th birthday, the right-hander spoke to reporters about his trade request. While some may have taken the fact that he asked for a trade as a sign that he is unhappy with the team and organization, he made it clear that he has very fond feelings towards the Brewers and the city of Milwaukee.

“This is not a situation where I’m trying to leave this team,” Civale said. “All the guys are great. The coaching staff is great. The players are great. I love competing with all of them. I just feel like I still have more to contribute, more to give to this game, and feel I’m best suited to do that as a starting pitcher.”

Civale is 1-2 with a 4.91 ERA in five starts this year. While Matt Arnold did not comment on Civale’s request, the pitcher’s agent revealed that Milwaukee is not only shopping his client, but other starting pitchers as well.