The Milwaukee Brewers have acquired former Atlanta Braves infielder Jonathan Ornelas from the Athletics, adding another versatile option to their infield amid a stretch of injuries and roster uncertainty.
Milwaukee completed the deal on Saturday, sending cash considerations to Oakland in exchange for the 26-year-old. The move came shortly after the Brewers designated Jihwan Bae for assignment, creating room for Ornelas on the roster.
Ornelas brings major league experience and defensive versatility to Milwaukee. The right-handed hitter has experience across the infield and has previously appeared at shortstop, second base and third base.
He also has a connection to the Braves, having joined Atlanta in 2025 after being acquired from the Texas Rangers. Ornelas appeared in two games for Atlanta that season before eventually becoming a free agent.
The Brewers wasted little time putting their newest addition into action. Manager Pat Murphy inserted Ornelas into the starting lineup against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday, with the infielder batting ninth and playing second base.
His immediate inclusion reflects Milwaukee’s need for additional infield depth, particularly with regular second baseman Brice Turang dealing with an injury and the club attempting to keep its roster intact during an important part of the season.
For Ornelas, the trade represents another opportunity to establish himself after moving between organizations in recent years.
He made his MLB debut with Texas in 2023 before later joining Atlanta and then the Athletics. Milwaukee is hoping his defensive flexibility and familiarity with major league competition can provide useful depth down the stretch.
The Brewers’ decision to put him directly into the lineup suggests they view the 26-year-old as more than simply a long-term organizational piece and could rely on him for meaningful innings as they navigate the final weeks of the regular season.
