Pirates' Aramis Ramirez greeted warmly back in Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE (AP) Getting traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates in the middle of a pennant race hasn't changed third baseman Aramis Ramirez's mind about retirement.

Ramirez said on Wednesday that he couldn't envision a better ending to his 18-year career than playing in a pennant race. Ramirez started his career in Pittsburgh.

Milwaukee sent Ramirez to the Pirates on July 23 for a minor leaguer. The three-game series in Milwaukee this week marked Ramirez's first visit back since the deal.

The 37-year-old Ramirez received a standing ovation when he hit a solo homer in the ninth inning on Tuesday against his former team.

Ramirez spent more than three seasons with the Brewers after signing as a free agent before the 2012 season.