Braves trade Francisco to Brewers for prospect

The Braves have traded third baseman Juan Francisco to the Brewers in exchange for left-handed pitching prospect Tom Keeling.

The 25-year-old southpaw, who will be assigned to Double-A Mississippi, has appeared in 105 Minor League games (all in relief) over parts of four seasons with the Brewers after being drafted by Milwaukee in the 18th round of the 2010 First-Year Player Draft out of Oklahoma State.

Over 17 relief appearances with Milwaukee's Double-A club in Huntsville this season, Keeling has struck out 19 batters over 17 innings. He held Midwest League opposing hitters to a .194 average last year, and lefties to a .042 (1-for-24) mark.

Francisco, acquired by the Braves from the Reds at the end of Spring Training last year, hit .237 with 14 home runs and 48 RBIs in 128 games with Atlanta.