Stallings Debuts
Milwaukee Brewers Recall Garrett Stallings From Nashville Sounds for Major League Debut
Key Points
Stallings was a 2019 Angels fifth-round pick who was traded to the Orioles for Jose Iglesias, and later dealt to Milwaukee for two pitchers, illustrating a multi-team path to the Brewers.
In six minor‑league seasons, Stallings has appeared in 151 games with 96 starts, totaling 594.0 innings, a 36-31 record, 4.86 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 551 strikeouts.
While at Tennessee (2017–2019), Stallings served as UT’s ace, helping end a 13-year NCAA Tournament drought in 2019 and earning SEC All-Defensive Team and SEC Scholar Athlete of the Year honors.
The 40-man roster vacancy Stallings fills was created earlier this month when Luis Rengifo was designated for assignment.
There are conflicting reports on where Gasser was optioned: some sources say Triple-A Nashville, while the Brewers’ note lists the option to the Arizona Complex League.
After six minor league seasons and three organizations, Garrett Stallings is finally headed to the big leagues. The Milwaukee Brewers officially selected his contract from Triple-A Nashville on June 30, 2026, adding him to both the 40-man and active rosters, according to Brewers Official. He is expected to be available out of the bullpen that same evening against the Cincinnati Reds.
The corresponding move sent left-hander Robert Gasser off the active roster. Stallings steps in carrying a 3.45 ERA over 16 appearances with Nashville this season, including 59 strikeouts across 62.2 innings, per MiLB.com.
A Six-Year Minor League Road Finally Ends
Stallings, 28, was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in the fifth round in June 2019. He never threw a pitch for them — the 2020 minor league season was canceled due to the pandemic. The Angels then traded him to the Baltimore Orioles in December 2020 in a deal for shortstop José Iglesias, according to MLB.com.
Baltimore moved him through their system all the way to Triple-A Norfolk, but a debut never came. In May 2024, the Brewers acquired Stallings from the Orioles in exchange for pitchers Thyago Vieira and Aneuris Rodriguez, per RotoWire. His full minor league résumé spans 151 games, 594.0 innings, and a 36-31 record with a 4.86 ERA across six seasons.
Tennessee's 12th Vol to Reach the Majors Since 2020
Stallings was the ace of the 2019 University of Tennessee squad that ended a 14-year NCAA Tournament drought. He earned SEC All-Defensive Team and SEC Scholar Athlete of the Year honors, and set a school record with just 0.92 walks per nine innings in 2018, according to Knox News.
His debut makes him the 54th Vol in program history — and the 12th since 2020 — to reach the majors. He follows a path blazed by names like Garrett Crochet and Ben Joyce. Fellow Tennessee alumnus Chad Dallas debuted for the Toronto Blue Jays on June 4, 2026, just weeks before Stallings got his call, per Rocky Top Insider.
Gasser Optioned — but Where Exactly?
The roster move that opened Stallings' spot created some confusion. Several outlets initially reported Gasser was heading to Triple-A Nashville. But the Brewers' official transaction log and Sports Illustrated confirm he was optioned all the way down to the Arizona Complex League, the team's rookie-level affiliate.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports the ACL assignment is likely procedural — a way to keep Gasser out of the active roster picture while the team prepares for a July 7 doubleheader against the Cardinals. It gives him space to make mechanical adjustments away from competitive Triple-A games. Gasser posted a 4.54 ERA over seven starts before the move.
Stallings Fills the Last Roster Spot in Milwaukee's Bullpen
The 40-man roster vacancy Stallings fills traces back to infielder Luis Rengifo, who was designated for assignment earlier in June and cleared waivers, per FanGraphs. With Stallings now added, the Brewers have no open spots on their 40-man roster. Any further additions before the trade deadline would require a DFA or a move to the 60-day injured list.
Manager Pat Murphy has described Stallings as a "multi-inning option" for a bullpen stretched thin, per the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The Brewers currently sit at 51-31, leading the NL Central. Stallings' strong command — 22 walks against 59 strikeouts in 2026 — fits exactly what Murphy said he wants: "strikes" and consistency.
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