Brewer Daily News for August 30th: Aoki out again, Crew blanks Bucs

Good morning everyone and welcome to the Friday edition of Brewer Daily News. During last night’s game, Milwaukee Brewers’ right fielder Norichika Aoki received another night off due to the tendinitis in his right knee. In the second bit of news, last night the Brewers (59-74) beat Pittsburgh Pirates (77-56), winning the series 2-1.

Norichika Aoki will try to get back to full strength soon for Milwaukee. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Aoki received last night off, though he did pinch hit, due to the tendinitis in his right knee that he’s been battling for a few weeks now. Manager Ron Roenicke noticed that in a game a few days ago Aoki was limping after running to first base.

"“I’m trying to make sure he’s strong, and when he goes out there he feels as close to 100 percent as he can be,” Roenicke said. – via Brewers.com"

At the end of the season, it’s unknown whether or not the Brewers will try to extend Aoki as his contract does have a team option for 2014. While Aoki gets his days off, right field has been occupied by a combination of Caleb Gindl and Logan Schafer.

Last night, the Brewers shutout the Pirates 4-0. Yovani Gallardo started for Milwaukee and was fantastic, picking up his 10th win. Gallardo pitched seven innings and did not allow a run on six hits, one walk and struck out five. Brandon Kintzler pitched two innings of scoreless relief out of the bullpen.

For the Bucs, rookie Gerrit Cole took the mound and did well, but received his seventh loss. Cole went 7 1/3 innings and surrendered four runs (three earned) on 10 hits, one walk and struck out four.

Jonathan Lucroy got the Milwaukee offense in the first inning when he hit a single that scored Jean Segura. In the second inning, Khris Davis hit an RBI double and Aramis Ramirez hit another solo home run in the fourth, his ninth of the season.

Lucroy would again get active with the lumber during the eighth when he hit a sacrifice fly scoring Scooter Gennett. During the second, Carlos Gomez stole his 32nd base of the year.

Tonight the Brewers head back home to start a weekend series against the Los Angeles Angels (60-72) with tonight’s game beginning at 8:10 p.m. ET / 7:10 p.m. CT. The projected starters are Jered Weaver (8-7, 3.46 ERA) for Los Angeles and Wily Peralta (8-13, 4.51 ERA) for Milwaukee.