Dodgers and Brewers Pull Off Mid-Series Trade, Shuffling Roster Pieces as Two Contenders Eye Second-Half Push Toward October
In a rare but not unprecedented twist of timing, the Los Angeles Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers completed a trade during the finale of their three-game series at American Family Field, underscoring both teams’ urgency to fine-tune their rosters ahead of the second-half playoff push. While the Dodgers are trying to snap out of a downward spiral, and the Brewers are building on recent momentum, the two clubs found common ground in a deal that may not generate blockbuster headlines but could carry significant ripple effects for the stretch run.
The trade, finalized and announced during the late innings of the series finale, sent utility infielder Yonny Hernández from the Dodgers to the Brewers in exchange for minor league right-handed pitcher Carlos Rodriguez. Neither player was featured in the night’s game, but the transaction instantly got the attention of the broadcast crews, fans, and analysts alike—not just because of its timing, but also because of the subtle ways it addresses pressing needs on both sides.
For the Brewers, the move adds infield versatility to a roster that’s seen its fair share of injuries and inconsistency in the middle infield. Hernández, who has spent much of the 2025 season at Triple-A Oklahoma City, has bounced between organizations in recent years but is known for his glove, speed, and ability to play multiple infield positions. In an infield currently juggling injuries to shortstop Willy Adames and utilityman Owen Miller, Hernández offers immediate depth and a possible plug-and-play solution.
Brewers President of Baseball Operations Matt Arnold called Hernández “a scrappy, high-energy player who can help stabilize things in the middle of the field” and noted that Milwaukee’s scouts have kept tabs on him since his days in the Texas Rangers system. “He brings effort, instincts, and a professional approach,” Arnold added. “He’s a guy who won’t wow you with power, but he’ll do the little things well. That fits who we are.”
The Dodgers, meanwhile, received Carlos Rodriguez, a 23-year-old pitcher who entered the 2025 season ranked among the Brewers’ top 15 prospects. Rodriguez features a mid-90s fastball and a solid changeup but has had an up-and-down campaign at Triple-A Nashville. His strikeout numbers have remained strong, but command and consistency have been issues. Still, the Dodgers’ development team sees an intriguing arm with untapped upside, especially in relief.
Dodgers General Manager Brandon Gomes described Rodriguez as “a young pitcher we’ve liked for some time. We believe our pitching infrastructure can help him refine his delivery and unlock his potential.”
Though this deal may appear minor on the surface, it speaks volumes about how both organizations are preparing for the unpredictable grind of the second half. The Brewers have been among the more aggressive clubs in patching holes before they become liabilities, and adding someone like Hernández, even as a bench piece, allows them flexibility in case injuries linger or worsen. Hernández may not start every day, but he could serve as a late-game defensive replacement or pinch-runner—roles that often go overlooked until October magnifies every out and opportunity.
For the Dodgers, the deal marks a continued effort to reshape the pitching pipeline. With injuries to several key arms this season—including Walker Buehler, Dustin May, and Ryan Pepiot—the need for pitching depth remains urgent. Los Angeles is not only eyeing the playoffs but also positioning itself to avoid the over-reliance on veterans or fringe arms in high-leverage spots. Rodriguez might not see MLB action this year, but he gives the Dodgers another arm to work with—something that has long been part of their organizational DNA.
The trade’s timing is unusual but not entirely without precedent. MLB rules allow for trades to be conducted and completed at any point prior to the trade deadline (which in 2025 falls on July 30), even during a game. What made this instance more eye-catching was the fact that the two teams were playing each other as the trade was finalized. According to reports, discussions began earlier in the week but escalated quickly as the series unfolded, particularly after Milwaukee’s infield depth was further strained by a minor injury to Andruw Monasterio.
Several players in the dugouts were reportedly surprised when news of the trade broke, with Hernández being pulled aside in Oklahoma City to be informed. Though he wasn’t with the Dodgers’ major league roster during the series, the move still created buzz among players and coaches alike, especially with the unique optics of two opponents swapping assets in real time.
“It’s just business,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, when asked about the mid-series trade. “Our front office is always working the phones. It doesn’t matter who we’re playing—if it’s a move that helps us in the big picture, we’ll make it.”
That big picture is becoming clearer for both teams. The Brewers, atop the NL Central with a steady blend of pitching, timely hitting, and elite defense, are eyeing October with serious intent. Milwaukee’s front office may still make more aggressive moves—possibly targeting a bat or a bullpen piece—but this trade signals their intention to address smaller issues before they become major problems.
The Dodgers, despite their current six-game skid and inconsistent performances, remain very much in the postseason race. Their rotation, while battered, still has top-tier talent, and their offense—on paper—is capable of carrying stretches. But the recent slump has revealed depth issues, particularly in the bullpen and on the bench. Deals like this one may not fix those problems overnight, but they reflect an organization trying to avoid relying on short-term patches once again.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time the Dodgers and Brewers have hooked up for a trade with postseason implications. In 2018, Milwaukee acquired reliever Joakim Soria from Chicago during their playoff chase; in 2021, the Dodgers landed future contributor Billy McKinney from the Brewers in another under-the-radar deal. Though the names involved in Wednesday’s transaction may not carry similar weight now, they reflect a growing trend of clubs making savvy, low-cost moves that can quietly swing a postseason narrative.
Dodgers fans, some of whom may have never heard of Carlos Rodriguez before today, are well aware of how their front office operates. Under Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers have made a habit of targeting undervalued assets and maximizing them through development. Whether Rodriguez becomes another success story or merely pitching depth remains to be seen, but the process is familiar: acquire talent, refine talent, deploy talent—often better than before.
As for Hernández, he arrives in Milwaukee with a clear opportunity and a defined role. Whether he ends up making a pivotal impact on the field or serves as insurance for the infield, his presence provides peace of mind for a team that has surprised many with its resilience and cohesion. The Brewers’ fan base has come to expect clever, calculated moves rather than splashy trades—and this latest deal fits that mold perfectly.
While the trade won’t dominate national headlines or send shockwaves through the league, its effects may quietly play out over the final months of the 2025 season. In a league where championships are often determined by depth, matchups, and health, a simple utility infielder or a controllable bullpen arm could tip the scale in October. Both the Dodgers and the Brewers understand that—and they made a move to address it, even as they stood across the field from one another.
As the series wrapped with a hard-fought Brewers victory and the Dodgers trudged toward the airport for their next challenge, both front offices could at least say they didn’t let a moment pass without taking action. In a game of inches, every move counts—even if it happens midgame, midseries, and miles away from the spotlight.
