Brewer Daily News for July 11th: Injured pitchers, Crew falls to Reds

Good morning everyone and welcome to the Thursday edition of Brewer Daily News. Along with all the pitching woes that the Milwaukee Brewers have faced this season, they’ll look to be getting some of their staff back somewhat soon. Secondly, yesterday afternoon the Brewers (37-53) lost to the Cincinnati Reds (51-40), but still won the series 2-1.

Marco Estrada looks to be back sooner for the Brewers than Hiram Burgos and Alfredo Figaro. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Soon, the Brewers are hoping that starting pitcher Marco Estrada will be able to throw batting practice. Estrada’s last start for the team was back on June 3, after which he was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a left hamstring strain. Soon enough, Estrada could be pitching in a minor league rehab assignment.

As for Alfredo Figaro and Hiram Burgos, it seems that they will be out a little longer than expected. For Figaro, his progress has been pushed back as his injury with his right ribcage continues to bother him, but the team is continuing to work with him. Burgos however hasn’t been as fortunate, re-injuring his right shoulder.

"“When you deal with the same issue after you’ve tried to rehab and bring him back, then it seems to take longer the next time,” manager Ron Roenicke said. – via Brewers.com"

Burgos is currently on Triple-A Nashville’s 15-day disabled list and his return is unknown at this point. The Brewers are hoping that these three pitchers will be able to return to form sooner than later.

Yesterday, the Brewers lost 6-2 to the Reds. Johnny Hellweg made the start for Milwaukee and once again didn’t fare well, picking up his third loss. Hellweg only lasted 4 1/3 innings while giving up four runs, five walks and struck out one. Donovan Hand came on in relief and pitched two innings while giving up two runs. After the game, Hellweg was optioned down to Class A Wisconsin.

For the Reds, Mike Leake took the hill and was fantastic, receiving his eighth win of the season. Leake pitched 8 1/3 innings while giving up two runs, four hits, four walks and struck out two. Aroldis Chapman pitched 2/3 of an innings of relief and struck out one.

The Brewers were limited to only four hits throughout the entire game. In the first inning, Carlos Gomez hit a sacrifice fly that Logan Schafer was able to score on. Sean Halton hit his first major league home run, a solo shot, in the sixth. Gomez also stole his 21st base of the season in the fourth inning.

Tonight the Brewers head to Arizona to take on the Diamondbacks for a four-game series. Tonight’s game, beginning at 9:40 p.m. ET / 8:40 p.m. CT, will feature starters Yovani Gallardo (7-8, 4.85 ERA) for Milwaukee and Wade Miley (5-7, 4.06 ERA) for Arizona.