Brewers trade Aramis Ramirez to Pirates for pitching prospect Barrios

The sell-off in Milwaukee began Thursday with the Brewers trading third baseman Aramis Ramirez and cash considerations to the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for minor-league pitcher Yhonathan Barrios.

With both Josh Harrison and Jordy Mercer injured, Pittsburgh is in need of a rental third baseman and gets instant help from the 18-year veteran. The Pirates, who traded Ramirez away 12 years ago Thursday, will reportedly take on $3 million of the remaining salary owed to the 37-year-old, with Milwaukee covering the rest.

Ramirez, who was named a National League All-Star for the third time in his career last year, has a .247/.295/.430 slash line on the season. He has, however, been hot in July, batting .352/.422/.500.

According to Ramirez's agent, Paul Kinzer, his client is happy to return to Pittsburgh where he started his MLB career and said it "meant a lot to be east."

"It didn't surprise me," Ramirez told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Todd Rosiak of the trade. "They're in a pennant race and that's what counts."

Added Ramirez, "That's the team that gave me the opportunity to be what I am today. Signed me as a 16-year-old Dominican kid. So it's good to (go) back."

Meanwhile, the Brewers assigned the 23-year-old Barrios to Double-A Biloxi and recalled right-hander David Goforth from Triple-A Colorado Springs. Barrios is sporting a 2.68 ERA in 40 1/3 innings of relief work in the minors this season.

The trade will also allow Milwaukee to take an extended look at third-base prospect Hernan Perez. The Brewers claimed the 24-year-old off waivers from the Detroit Tigers in June. He has a .245/.266/.358 batting line in 58 games this season.

The Pirates designated infielder Steve Lombardozzi for assignment to make room for Ramirez on the 40-man roster.