Wed, Jul 31, 2019 at 3:59pm

BREW CREW DEAL DUBON FOR PITCHING HELP

The Milwaukee Brewers acquired pitchers Drew Pomeranz and Ray Black from the San Francisco Giants for infielder Mauricio Dubon.

What does it give the Milwaukee Brewers
The Brewers seem motivated to improve their pitching staff before the deadline, which explains why they decided to move Dubon (one of their best position player prospects) for Pomeranz (who has recently found new life as a left-handed reliever) and Black (who also projects to pitch out of the bullpen in MLB). The 30-year-old Pomeranz will slide into Milwaukee's 'pen right away, while Black will likely be sent to Triple-A ball for now.

What does it give the San Francisco Giants
In Dubon, the Giants land a quality middle infield prospect who can play both shortstop and second base. He has missed time due to a serious knee injury in recent years but seems to be back on track. At 25, Dubon looks ready to take over second base duties from Joe Panik in San Francisco in the not-too-distant future. He is unlikely to unseat defensive specialist Brandon Crawford at shortstop but Dubon can play there at the big-league level.

Fantasy impact
Pomeranz will likely be used as a situational left-hander by Milwaukee, so he does not need to be owned in most fantasy leagues down the stretch. Black has a bit of untapped upside as a future late-inning reliever, despite the fact he is already 29 years old with 28 games of MLB experience under his belt. Keep an eye on Black. As for Dubon, he has speed and can hit for average and modest home-run power, so he should be under consideration as a late-season pickup in a lot of keeper leagues. He might not help year-to-year rosters, though.

Player focus

San Francisco Giants

Mauricio Dubon IF/OF