PHOENIX -- In the end, the Khris Davis trade was a three-for-one.
Ten days after picking up a pair of prospects in the deal, the Brewers won a waiver claim for Sean Nolin, the left-hander who'd been designated for assignment by Oakland to make room for Davis' arrival.
Nolin, a former sixth-round 2010 Draft pick of the Blue Jays, was part of the Josh Donaldson trade in November 2014. He has developed as a starting pitcher, but his best chance to make Milwaukee's Opening Day roster this spring will be in the bullpen.
"He was a big part of the Josh Donaldson trade, and obviously he's had periods of sustained success in the Minor Leagues," Brewers general manager David Stearns said. "I think having those guys who can do both [start and relieve], and lengthen out the 'pen, there's a real advantage to that. We've got a couple of those types of guys."
The 26-year-old southpaw made six starts for the A's last season, going 1-2 with a 5.28 ERA in the Majors after posting a 2.66 ERA in 14 games (12 starts) at Triple-A Nashville.

Nolin is out of Minor League options, so the Brewers will have to expose him to waivers later this spring if they want to place him at Triple-A Colorado Springs. The other out-of-options pitchers bidding for a bullpen spot include Tyler Thornburg, who will probably get a spot on the team, and Ariel Pena, who made his Major League debut last September as a Brewers starter.  
With Nolin, the Brewers' 40-man roster is full. It includes two left-handers; the other is reliever Will Smith.