NEW YORK -- The Milwaukee Brewers got a quick start on the second half, picking up a big-time closer.

The NL Central co-leaders acquired former All-Star reliever Francisco Rodriguez from the New York Mets on Tuesday night, boosting the Brewers' bullpen for a second-half run at the playoffs.

The trade was announced only a half-hour after the All-Star Game, with the Mets sending K-Rod and cash to Milwaukee for two players to be named.

Rodriguez tweeted Wednesday that he was looking forward to a new opportunity and asked fans to support him.

He also wrote: "I want to thank all the Mets fans for your support during these two and half years in which I wore this jersey."

Most likely, more trades all over the majors will follow before the July 31 deadline for making deals without waivers. And this swap was yet another sign the Brewers are going all in this season.

Milwaukee is tied with St. Louis for the NL Central lead, and John Axford has done well as its closer. The Brewers, however, have had trouble finding steady setup men.

"Francisco has been one of the best relievers in the game for many years," Brewers general manager Doug Melvin said in a statement. "He is a high-quality arm who will be a tremendous asset to our bullpen as we prepare for the final months of the regular season and playoffs."

The Brewers traded for top starters Zack Greinke and Shaun Marcum in the offseason. They've made the playoffs just once since winning the American League pennant in 1982, and are faced with the prospect of watching star slugger Prince Fielder leave via free agency after the season.

Fielder was the MVP of the All-Star Game, hitting a three-run homer in the National League's 5-1 victory.