The Pittsburgh Pirates today acquired infielder Aramis Ramirez and cash considerations from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for minor league pitcher Yhonathan Barrios.
Ramirez, who is hitting .352 (19-for-54) in 16 games this month and .333 (28-for-84) in 25 games since June 19, produced a .247 (69-for-279) average, 18 doubles, 11 home runs and 42 RBI in 81 games with the Brewers this season. He took home National League Player-of-the-Week honors for the week of June 29 to July 5 after hitting .545 with a home run and 11 RBI.
Ramirez entered today with 375 career home runs as a third basemen, which ranks fifth on the all-time Major League list and second among active players exclusively at that position.
The 37-year-old Ramirez was originally signed by the Pirates as a non-drafted free agent on August 31, 1994 and made his Major League debut at the age of 19 with Pittsburgh on May 26, 1998 at Milwaukee. The three-time National League All-Star has hit .284 with 482 doubles, 380 home runs and 1384 RBI in 2138 games in the big leagues.
The Pirates will make a corresponding move on the 25-man active roster when Ramirez joins the team. To make room for Ramirez on the 40-man roster, the Pirates have designated Steve Lombardozzi for assignment.