In a major roster move, the Milwaukee Brewers have officially selected the contract of pitcher Dallas Keuchel, the team announced today. Keuchel's debut will come in today's game against the Texas Rangers. The Brewers acquired the 2015 AL Cy Young winner from the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday in exchange for cash considerations.

To make room for Keuchel on both the active and 40-man rosters, the Brewers have designated right-handed pitcher Joel Kuhnel for assignment. If Kuhnel clears waivers, he has the option to decline an outright assignment and become a free agent. This is the second time he has elected free agency this season.

The move to bring Keuchel onboard comes after a series of injuries that have plagued the Brewers' rotation. DL Hall and Joe Ross are still working their way back, while Robert Gasser and Wade Miley are out for the rest of the season. Additionally, Brandon Woodruff is also sidelined for the year after undergoing shoulder surgery last fall.

Keuchel, who had a successful seven-year stint with the Houston Astros from 2012-2018, signed a one-year deal with the Atlanta Braves in 2019 and then a three-year deal with the Chicago White Sox in 2020. Despite a strong first season in Chicago with a 1.99 ERA in 11 starts, the left-hander struggled over the next two years and was eventually released in May 2022.

Since then, Keuchel had brief stints with the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Texas Rangers during the 2022 season. He signed a minor league deal with the Minnesota Twins in June 2023, making 10 appearances (6 starts) and posting a 5.97 ERA in 37 2/3 innings pitched.

The 36-year-old lefty went unsigned during the 2023-24 offseason before signing a minor league deal with the Mariners in April. Although he was released in May, Keuchel quickly signed another minor league pact with the organization. Under his current agreement with the Brewers, Keuchel stands to make a prorated portion of $1.5 million, plus the potential for additional incentives.

Keuchel's presence on the team offers the Brewers much-needed stability in their rotation, which has been hampered by injuries. While his numbers at Triple-A this year have not been outstanding with a 3.93 ERA and a 5.51 FIP in 13 starts, Keuchel's experience and ability to eat innings make him a valuable asset for Milwaukee. Furthermore, his left-handed pitching provides the team with an additional option.

In other Brewers news, catcher/DH Gary Sánchez has been placed on the 10-day IL (retroactive to June 24) due to a low-grade left calf strain. The team has called up veteran catcher Eric Haase from Triple-A Nashville as his replacement. Additionally, right-hander Joe Ross has been transferred from the 15-day IL to the 60-day IL, making him ineligible to return until July 20 at the earliest.

With Keuchel joining the roster and Sánchez's injury status, the Brewers are making strategic moves to navigate the challenges of the season and strengthen their chances in the competitive National League Central division.