In trading for Greinke, Milwaukee Brewers then-GM Doug Melvin gave up a very large return package of Lorenzo Cain, Alcides Escobar, Jake Odorizzi, and Jeremy Jeffress. The Crew also acquired Yuniesky Betancourt to play shortstop in place of the departing Escobar.
Greinke led the Milwaukee Brewers rotation alongside Yovani Gallardo for that 2011 season, taking the Crew all the way to the NLCS. He pitched to a Game 1 victory in that series against the Cardinals.
In 2011, Greinke pitched to a 3.83 ERA in only 171 innings after an injury suffered playing basketball in Spring Training.