MILWAUKEE — 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 reiterated on Wednesday that he’s ending his 18-year career after this season.

“No, no, no. I’m going home. That’s it. It couldn’t be any better. I’m going to be in the pennant race my last year,” Ramirez said at Miller Park before the Pirates played his previous team, the Milwaukee Brewers.

Ramirez spent 3 1/2 seasons with the Brewers after signing as a free agent before the 2012 season.

He is ending his career with the team with which he broke into the big leagues in 1998. The return has energized Ramirez at the plate, hitting .301 with three homers and 19 RBIs since Aug. 5.

“Something to play for, put it that way,” Ramirez said, “you’re contributing to a team that’s fighting for a playoff spot.”