Notes: Brewers' front office still actively monitoring trade market

PITTSBURGH - While some fans are already jumping off the bandwagon in the wake of the Milwaukee Brewers' five-game losing streak, the front office is still looking at ways to improve the team.

"We believe in these guys and we’re still in first place," said vice president and assistant general manager Matt Arnold, shortly after the Brewers were swept by the Pittsburgh Pirates, 4-2, at PNC Park.

"These guys are tough and we have guys who believe in what they’re doing – and we do, too. We certainly think we can see this thing through and see what we can do to help the club, but be responsible at the same time.

"That’s important, to kind of maintain some perspective. But we believe in these guys."

Not expected to compete as they entered Year 2 of their organizational rebuild, the Brewers instead held a 5 1/2-game lead in the National League Central heading into the all-star break. That led to all kinds of talk that they'd switched from "sell" to "buy" mode, with specific emphasis on bolstering their starting rotation.

The Chicago Cubs, fighting to overtake the Brewers, pulled off a blockbuster deal for Chicago White Sox left-hander Carlos Quintana – a player to whom the Brewers had been linked. Other reports have suggested the team is interested in acquiring Oakland A's right-hander Sonny Gray.

The Cubs paid a hefty price in prospects to acquire Quintana, and it's expected Gray will earn the A's a similar haul. But with the Brewers having worked so diligently to build one of the deepest farm systems in baseball, are they willing to deal some of those prospects in an attempt to better their chances at winning now?

Possibly, says Arnold.

"You’re always kind of looking at it," he said. "For sure, we want to have the foundation, and I think we’ve shown that with the investment in the draft and trying to make an impact with those kinds of guys.

"But we still want to try to do what we can to help these guys out. We’re always looking for opportunities. So we’re keeping an eye out, for sure."

BOX SCORE:Pirates 4, Brewers 2

RELATED:Losing streak reaches five games

MLB: Live scoreboard, box scores, standings, schedules

A new rumor surfaced earlier Thursday, suggesting the Brewers are interested in acquiring Detroit Tigers right-hander Justin Verlander. He's 34 years old, is owed $70 million through 2019 and has full 10-and-5 rights, allowing him to veto any potential deal.

But he's also been durable, his average fastball has clicked up to 95.6 mph and he has a wealth of big-game experience.

Even if the Brewers don't make a bold move like that, they could add an ancillary piece or two to try to remain at the top of the standings.

"We’re actively looking around," Arnold said. "We’re still in first place. It’s a good thing on July 20. We just got swept, but we’re hanging in there."

Rehab updates: Second baseman Eric Sogard went 0 for 3 with a strikeout on Wednesday night in the first of two planned minor-league rehab starts at Class A Wisconsin.

"The day went kind of as scripted," manager Craig Counsell said. "He was going to play five innings, three at-bats, so all went well. He'll be back out there today and play probably the majority of the game, get four at-bats.

"Then he'll hopefully join us in Philly after the game."

Counsell used Jonathan Villar twice and Hernán Pérez twice at second base in Pittsburgh. Villar also split the leadoff duties with Domingo Santana in the four-game series.

Sogard has been on the 10-day disabled list since July 6 with a jammed left ankle.

Right-hander Brandon Woodruff had his rehab assignment transferred from the rookie Arizona League to Class AAA Colorado Springs.

He threw 3 2/3 innings on Wednesday for the Sky Sox, allowing three hits, three earned runs and a walk with three strikeouts in a 54-pitch outing.

"He's still on the rehab part of the schedule," Counsell said. "He's not at full strength still. He'll work his way back to full strength. I don't see right now that there's a spot (with the Brewers), but we'll see where we're at moving forward.

"Just having options is important at this point. I'd say he's getting close to being an option, which is a good sign."

Woodruff was initially scheduled to make his major-league debut on June 13 in St. Louis but strained his right hamstring warming up and was replaced by Brent Suter.

He has been on the DL since then. In 14 starts at Colorado Springs this season, Woodruff is 6-4 with a 4.30 ERA and 64 strikeouts in 69 innings.

Suter has since replaced the injured Chase Anderson in the rotation and is 1-0 with a 2.12 ERA in three starts. He'll make his fourth start Saturday in Philadelphia.

How does Counsell view that spot with Woodruff seemingly not far from being ready to return?

"(Suter) is starting in Philadelphia, and I don't think we have to get past that. There's no need to," he said. "Brent's done a heck of a job. I think we're in a spot where you make your start and you move on.

"I don't think we have to make any grand proclamations about the rest of the season right now."