Brewers News for November 5th, 2013: Braun reinstated, Hart’s future, Saguaros win

Good morning everyone and welcome to the Tuesday edition of Brewer News. Yesterday, Milwaukee Brewers’ suspended left fielder Ryan Braun was reinstated from his ban. Secondly, free-agent first baseman Corey Hart was not given a qualifying offer for 2014. Lastly, the Surprise Saguaros (14-7-1) won yesterday afternoon over the Glendale Desert Dogs (9-11-2).

Ryan Braun will be back to start the 2014 season with the Brewers. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Braun, 29, was suspended back on July 22 of this season for his admitted involvement with banned substances in relation to the Biogenesis Clinic in Miami, Florida. Since his 65-game ban started, Braun has reached out to his teammates, the league, fans and even called season ticket holders, to apologize for his actions.

Come 2014, Braun will be eligible to play with the team at the start of the season. With Braun being reinstated from the restricted list, he’ll take up another spot on the Brewers’ 40-man roster along with Hart (temporarily) the injured Rickie Weeks.

Speaking of Hart, the Brewers did not extend a qualifying offer (one-year, $14.1 million) to the 31-year-old free-agent. As of now, there have been no formal plans to re-sign Hart even though he said he would be willing to come back for less money. General manager Doug Melvin addressed the issue yesterday:

"“I talked to Corey’s agent [Jeff Berry] last week and just said we would check in again a little bit further down the road. I’ve seen some video on him. He’s working out; it looks like he’s moving around. We’ll eventually follow up on it.” – via Brewers.com"

Melvin did talk about other first base options outside of Hart, namely Justin Morneau and James Loney, but noted that it was “not a very deep list”. The Brewers did re-sign Taylor Green who backed up for first and third base in the past, but it is unknown when and if they will strike a deal with Hart.

Yesterday afternoon, the Saguaros beat the Desert Dogs 9-6. Will Roberts (Cleveland Indians) took the hill for the Saguaros and did well. Roberts went 4 1/3 innings and allowed just two runs on five hits, two walks and struck out four.

Noe Ramirez (Boston Red Sox) was the first reliever to come out of the Saguaros’ bullpen and he coughed up two runs in 1 2/3 innings. Branden Kline (Baltimore Orioles) also surrendered two runs in an inning pitched. Matt West (Rangers) pitched a scoreless seventh to pick up his first win while Brewers’ prospect David Goforth acquired his fourth save.

With the bats, the Saguaros were powered by the Brewers’ Mitch Haniger who was 2-for-4 with a three run homer and two runs scored. Center fielder Tyler Naquin (Indians) went 3-for-5 with two RBIs while third baseman Garin Cecchini (Red Sox) was 2-for-4 with two RBIs as well. First baseman Brett Nicholas (Rangers) did not get a hit, but did drive in a run. In the eighth, right fielder Dariel Alvarez (Orioles) scored on an error.

Later today the Saguaros will stay home to take on the Desert Dogs again for a game at 2:35 p.m. ET / 1:35 p.m. CT.