What happened: The Brewers, seven games up in the NL Central and a half-game behind the Dodgers for the majors' best record, are working the trade market for a starting pitcher, a left-handed reliever, and added offense before the deadline. Beat reporter Adam McCalvy said Wednesday Milwaukee has "touched base" with the Tigers about Tarik Skubal, though the club has not made an offer. The Brewers have also been linked to Angels arms including Reid Detmers as rotation options, with interim Angels GM John Mozeliak's trade authority still unclear.

Why it matters: Kyle Harrison's return is not imminent, and Woodruff, who required season-ending shoulder surgery, leaves Milwaukee needing a starter it can trust in October behind pitch-limited arms Jacob Misiorowski, Logan Henderson, Robert Gasser and Brandon Sproat. Aaron Ashby's inconsistency out of the bullpen has fans wanting a second reliable left-hander alongside closer Trevor Megill and Abner Uribe. Last year's four-game NLCS sweep at the hands of the Dodgers is driving the urgency to upgrade before October.

What to watch: Watch whether Milwaukee's front office moves beyond exploratory contact on Skubal, Detmers or other rotation and bullpen targets as the deadline nears.