Milwaukee Brewers: Suter DL’ed, Blazek DFA’ed

Milwaukee Brewers lefty starter Brent Suter is on the DL with a left rotator cuff strain. Reliever Michael Blazek is DFA’ed. What does this mean for the pitching staff? Is Chase Anderson’s return just around the corner?

What’s Going On With The Rotation?

The Milwaukee Brewers currently have four starting pitchers on the active roster. Jimmy Nelson, Zach Davies, Matt Garza, and Brandon Woodruff are the only starters currently with the Brewers. Given the two off-days this week, the Brewers won’t need a fifth starter until next week. There’s plenty of time to make a decision between activating Chase Anderson or searching the roster for a stopgap option. They’re down a starter for now, but this isn’t an emergency just yet.

Chase Anderson made his second Minor League rehab appearance, and first at Triple-A, on August 13th. He tossed 4 1/3 innings and allowed four runs, all earned. Anderson was allowed to throw 67 pitches, 39 for strikes. He gave up six hits and one walk with two strikeouts. Seeing him work into the fifth inning was a positive, but he still needs fine tuning before he can return to the Major League roster.

When Will Brent Suter Return?

It’s up in the air at this point. The team has yet to announce a time table, and shoulder injuries are tricky. He’s unlikely to come back before rosters expand on September 1st.

What About Michael Blazek?

He was already at Colorado Springs when he was designated for assignment. The move was made to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for Neil Walker. Blazek has been up and down a few times this year, and it was odd to see him get DFA’ed instead of someone like Adrian Houser or Tyler Webb.

Next: What Does Stephen Vogt's Return Mean To The Brewers?

Blazek needs to be added back onto the 40-man roster before he can come back to the Major League team, even for a September call up.