The Brewers’ attempt to patch over a hit to their infield depth ended with a roster casualty, and the Athletics were quick to pounce.
Milwaukee lost rookie shortstop Cooper Pratt for the foreseeable future after a right hamstring injury, then moved to add Ji-Hwan Bae to the 40-man roster to help cover the left side of the infield. That transaction came with a cost, though, and left-hander Drew Rom was designated for assignment to clear the necessary space.
Rom had flashed enough in a tiny sample to look like a useful piece. He pitched in five games for Milwaukee this season, giving up just two runs over 5 2/3 innings while striking out 11.
The Brewers likely would have preferred to keep him around, but roster math made him the most movable option. And once he hit waivers, Milwaukee’s bad luck continued.
After Monday’s loss to the San Diego Padres, Rom was claimed by the Athletics, according to David Gasper.
Brewers LHP Drew Rom, who was DFAd on Sunday,
Has been claimed off waivers by the Athletics
- David Gasper (@dgasper24) August 11, 2026
For Milwaukee, the loss stings because it came without any return. A club with World Series aspirations is now back to searching for another left-handed bullpen arm, and it’s doing so while continuing to churn through pitchers at a rapid pace this season.
From Oakland’s side, the claim fits the moment. The Athletics’ bullpen has been a mess, and any arm with a chance to help is worth taking a shot on. That need was on full display Monday, when their relievers allowed eight runs in a single inning against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Rom also figures to get a longer leash with the Athletics, where consistent innings should be easier to find than they were in Milwaukee.
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