Francisco Rodriguez traded to the Baltimore Orioles for INF Nick Delmonico

The first big trade for the Brewers has finally happened. Just before tonight's game, the Brewers announced that they had traded reliever Francisco Rodriguez to the Baltimore Orioles. In exchange, they received minor league prospect Nick Delmonico from the Orioles.

The Brewers brought back Rodriguez originally on a minor-league deal, giving him a chance to help a bullpen that was struggling early in the season. He worked his way onto the roster, and has been lights out since being added to the Brewers. He posted an ERA of 1.09 in 25 games (24.2 innings), recording 26 strikouts and 9 walks while allowing a total of 17 hits and 3 runs. After Jim Henderson went on the DL, he became the closer and recorded 10 saves, which included his 300th career save on June 22nd.

In return, the Brewers get a prospect that was rated #6 in the Orioles system according to Baseball Prospectus (h/t Fred Hofstetter), and #4 by Baseball America (h/t Ken Rosenthal). Nick Delmonico is a third base prospect with some experience at first and second. He has spent the year at High A Frederick, posting a batting line of .244/.351/.471/.822 with 13 HR, 30 RBI, and 5 SB. No word on where he will report yet, but it will most likely be High-A Brevard County.