Brewer Daily News for June 21st: Crucial injuries, Brewers fall to Astros

Good morning everyone and welcome to the Friday edition of Brewer Daily News. Aside from the obvious injured Ryan Braun, the Milwaukee Brewers are facing another injury, though not as serious, in third baseman Aramis Ramirez. Secondly, the Brewers (29-42) lost to the Houston Astros (28-46) yesterday, dropping the series.

Ryan Braun (right) and Aramis Ramirez (left) are both not having the 2013 that either one wanted. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Braun, who originally was thought to possibly come back on June 25, is now looking at missing an entire month. The injury, an inflamed nerve in his right thumb, may take a full month to heal and if so, the Brewers may be hurting for much longer.

"“It was nothing that we didn’t expect,” Braun said. “What’s kind of nice is we get some clarity, at least. We have a better idea of, confirmation of what we’re dealing with.” – via Brewers.com"

Meanwhile, Ramirez is still suffering problems due to his left knee that has been causing trouble all season. Ramirez admitted that he’s far from full strength and is getting days off here and there to help rest his knee. Since coming off of the 15-day disabled list, Ramirez has seen a decline in his production at the plate, but is hoping to turn it around soon.

Yesterday afternoon, the Brewers lost 7-4 to the Astros in 10 innings. Yovani Gallardo started for Milwaukee and looked great on the mound, but unfortunately did not receive a decision. Gallardo pitched seven innings while giving up three runs (none were earned however), five hits, two walks and struck out six. Jim Henderson gave up a run in one inning of relief while Mike Gonzalez gave up a walk-off three-run homer to Carlos Pena in the bottom of the tenth.

The Brewers struck first in the second inning when Scooter Gennett was safe at first on an error that scored Ramirez. Soon after that, Caleb Gindl would also be safe on an error that scored Gennett and Yuniesky Betancourt. In the sixth inning, Jonathan Lucroy hit a solo home-run, his seventh of the year. Carlos Gomez stole his 14th base of the season in the third. Unfortunately the team left eight runners on base and were 0-for-12 with runners in scoring position.

Today the Brewers head home to take on the Atlanta Braves (43-31) for a three game series this weekend, with tonight’s game beginning at 8:10 p.m. ET / 7:10 p.m. CT. The projected starters are Wily Peralta (4-8, 6.08 ERA) for Milwaukee and Julio Teheran (5-3, 3.36 ERA) for Atlanta.