Rottino, 26, will serve as the third-string catcher and can also play the corner infield and outfield positions. Born and raised in Racine, Wis., and originally signed as a nondrafted free agent in February 2003, Rottino batted .420 in August including a four-hit night on Wednesday.
The Brewers had to purchase his contract to get Rottino onto the 40-man roster. To make room, injured second baseman Rickie Weeks was shifted to the 60-day disabled list.
Sarfate, 25, gives the Brewers' bullpen an extra right arm while the club waits for more word Friday on the status of Matt Wise, who has been sidelined by an inflamed nerve in his right elbow. Sarfate is 10-7 this season with a 3.67 ERA and has been pitching out of the bullpen since July 29. As a reliever, he is 3-1 with a 2.89 ERA in 13 appearances.
The Brewers are anxious for a look at Sarfate to determine his future role with the club. He has one more Minor League option remaining, according to general manager Doug Melvin.
Rottino will wear uniform No. 8 with Milwaukee and Sarfate will wear No. 45. Both players will be making their Major League debuts.
Their Triple-A teammates, meanwhile, are trying to hold onto first place for a berth in the Pacific Coast League playoffs. Melvin said the team may make several additional callups once Nashville is finished for the year.