Brewer Daily News for July 22nd: Lucroy’s options, Brewers sweep Marlins

Good morning everyone and welcome to the Monday edition of Brewer Daily News. Even though Milwaukee Brewers’ catcher Jonathan Lucroy is content at his current position, he’s keeping an open mind about expanding his role. Secondly, yesterday afternoon the Brewers (41-56) beat the Miami Marlins (35-61), sweeping their first series since late April.

Jonathan Lucroy has really become one of the better offensive catchers in the game. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Looking into the future, Lucroy has taken into consideration the possibility of playing the outfield next year. This season, Lucroy has been used as the primary catcher, receiving every fifth day off as back-up Martin Maldonado takes over.

"“The idea has been thrown around,” Lucroy said. “I think I’m athletic enough to be able to play some outfield. … You always want to keep the sticks in the lineup to give yourself the best chance to win.” – via Brewers.com"

In Saturday’s game, Lucroy was a triple shy of hitting for the cycle as he went a perfect 4-for-4 with two RBIs. Lucroy this season has been solid in the line-up, hitting .285/.329/.491 with 14 home runs, 54 RBIs and has scored 28 runs. Defensively, Lucroy has a .995 fielding percentage and has thrown out 12 runners in 46 attempts this year.

Yesterday afternoon the Brewers beat the Marlins 1-0 in extra innings. Wily Peralta took the mound for Milwaukee and was completely in control, but did not receive a decision. Peralta went eight shutout innings while allowing two hits, two walks and struck out seven. John Axford pitched in the 12th and 13th innings and was perfect, striking out one while picking up his fourth win this season.

Henderson Alvarez started for Miami and was efficient, but like Peralta, he did not factor into a decision. Alvarez pitched seven innings while giving up five hits, one walk and struck out one. Ryan Webb was the last relief pitcher used by the Marlins and he gave up one run in the bottom of the 13th, which led to his fourth loss on the year.

The Brewers only had seven hits in yesterday’s game, but the one that mattered most was Caleb Gindl‘s walk-off solo homer in the bottom of the 13th. Not only was the walk-off the first of Gindl’s career, but the home run was also the first of his career. Jean Segura stole his 30th base of the season in the bottom of the 12th.

Tonight the Brewers host the San Diego Padres (43-56) for a four game series, with tonight’s game starting at 8:10 p.m. ET / 7:10 p.m. CT. The projected starters are Andrew Cashner (5-5, 3.81 ERA) for San Diego and Tom Gorzelanny (1-3, 1.88 ERA) for Milwaukee.