GM says Brewers plan to trade pitcher Greinke

Updated: July 26, 2012, 7:42 PM ET

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Report: Greinke Will Be Traded

Report: Greinke Will Be Traded

Zack Greinke is on his way out of Milwaukee.

Brewers general manager Doug Melvin said Thursday the starting pitcher will be traded before Tuesday's 4 p.m. ET deadline, according to USA Today.

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With four teams -- the Rangers, Angels, Braves, and White Sox -- in hot pursuit, Brewers right-hander Zack Greinke is now the primary focus of the baseball world's trading frenzy, writes Jayson Stark. Story

"I'm very fond of him," Melvin told USA Today. "He's one of my favorite players I ever had. Really, he's been like a son to me. I enjoyed talking baseball with him. He's very passionate. He follows the game. It's been a great experience having him for a year and a half.

"There are so many good things about him, it's going to be difficult when we trade him."

There have been no formal contract talks between the Brewers and Greinke's agent, Casey Close, since the start of the regular season, Melvin told the paper. Melvin said the Brewers had been told Greinke would test free agency.

Greinke, 28, has a 3.44 ERA and a 9-3 record this season.