Milwaukee Brewers: Reviewing the latest roster moves

The Milwaukee Brewers have been very busy making with roster moves. Whether it’s moving guys on or off the DL, designating players for assignment, or moving young prospects up and down from Triple-A, the Brewers have made several changes.

In the recent series in St. Louis, two players returned to the field after a short absence. Starting pitcher Matt Garza was on the 10-day DL after suffering a chest contusion in a collision with Jesus Aguilar. Also, third baseman Travis Shaw was on the bereavement list due to his newborn daughter’s open heart surgery.

Garza came back and had a solid start on Wednesday. He earned the win in five innings, while giving up four earned runs. Shaw came back during the four-game series to have six hits, four RBIs, two runs scored with one homer and one walk in 17 at-bats.

In addition to players coming off the DL, multiple players went on it as well. The biggest of which was infielder Johnathan Villar. Despite Villar’s struggles this season, he was really starting to hit well before suffering a lower back strain.

Fortunately, Eric Sogard is doing very well in Villar’s absence, adding offense from the leadoff spot and playing a great second base. Also, prospect Brandon Woodruff was called up to make his MLB debut in the doubleheader against the Cardinals, but in pregame warm ups he injured his hamstring. He landed him a spot on the 10-day DL. Woodruff has potential to be a good starter in the Major Leagues and he should be back soon.

What Other Changes Were Made To The Roster?

There were a few more players who were on the Milwaukee Brewers but are now off of it. Whether it be for good or for a short period of time. Reliever Neftali Feliz was designated for assignment. Feliz had really been struggling. With six losses out of the bullpen and having lost the closer role early in the year, Feliz was on borrowed time.

Reliever Rob Scahill was also DFAed. When compared to the other guys in the bullpen, Scahill didn’t get a ton of appearances. He went 1-2 with a 3.57 ERA in 13 appearances. He accepted his assignment to Triple-A, so he may be back again this season. These are the first wave of changes to a bullpen that, other than closer Corey Knebel, has been struggling. Keep your eye out for more changes similar to these.

Which Prospects Have Been Added?

Finally, the wave of young prospects in and out of the Major League roster has been interesting to watch. Lewis Brinson and Josh Hader, the Milwaukee Brewers top two prospects, were called up in the series in Arizona. Both are still with the Brewers. However, Brett Phillips went back to Triple-A after getting called up for the second time this season.

Also, Brent Suter came up from Triple-A to be the 26th man in the doubleheader in St.Louis. Suter started in the first game after Woodruff suffered an injury in warm ups. He allowed three runs on five hits with one walk and two strikeouts. Suter is now back in Triple-A.

Finally, Paolo Espino was called up for the third time this season, but not to make a spot start like he’s done twice before. He is pitching out of the bullpen for right now.

Next: How To Address The Brewers Outfield Situation

The Milwaukee Brewers have been very busy with all these roster moves, and with prospects succeeding in Triple-A, and the struggles of the bullpen, it wouldn’t be a surprise if this trend continues. However, Lewis Brinson and Josh Hader are starting to fit in well with the Brewers, and are hopefully here to stay. Many players on the team are competing for roster spots. With the amount of talent throughout the organization, players have to bring it everyday to remain in the lineup.