The Milwaukee Brewers have built on last season’s success and remain one of baseball’s top World Series contenders through the 2026 MLB season. Entering Saturday’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Brewers are 75-48 and hold the best record in the National League.
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Despite their impressive season, the Brewers have stumbled slightly this week. The club has lost four of its first five games on this California road trip, beginning with a sweep at the hands of the San Diego Padres.
Milwaukee suffered a 3-1 loss to the Dodgers on Friday night and will look to bounce back Saturday, as the two NL favorites continue a four-game series. Even with the Brewers firmly positioned as a championship contender, the organization continues searching for ways to improve around the margins.
Milwaukee announced on X that it acquired infielder/outfielder Jonathan Ornelas from the Athletics in exchange for cash considerations. To make room for Ornelas on the 40-man roster, the Brewers designated utility player Ji Hwan Bae for assignment.
Ornelas gives the Brewers a versatile option capable of playing multiple positions. The 26-year-old has spent most of his career in the minor leagues, but his positional flexibility could make him useful for a Brewers team that has been bitten by the injury bug as of late.
The Brewers have recently dealt with injuries to several key players, including second baseman Brice Turang and rookie infielder Cooper Pratt, leaving the organization with another reason to add a versatile defender.
Ornelas may not provide an offensive upgrade, but the Brewers appear to value his ability to fill any defensive gaps left behind by injured starters. Milwaukee also clearly saw enough upside in Ornelas to move on from Bae, who had struggled defensively and only recorded one hit on a bunt single during his four games with the Brewers.
For a Brewers team with championship aspirations, adding inexpensive depth could prove valuable. With the season entering its final stretch, the team hopes to get its starters back healthy as soon as possible.
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