Milwaukee Brewers: Jett Bandy and Andrew Susac called up

The Milwaukee Brewers added a pair of catchers after the roster expanded on September 1st. Jett Bandy and Andrew Susac are back with the team. Why are the Brewers carrying four catchers? Will they actually see the field or is this just a courtesy for a pair of veterans?

Before Spring Training, Jett Bandy and Andrew Susac competed for the every day catching job with the Milwaukee Brewers. They’ve combined for 54 appearances. Manny Pina claimed the majority of the playing time and Stephen Vogt was plucked from the waiver wire. They’re both on the roster now, but will they play?

How much playing time will Bandy get?

Not much at this point. He was only cleared for rehab games on August 31st. Bandy lost his roster spot in June when Stephen Vogt arrived. He returned to the Milwaukee Brewers when Vogt went on the DL, but suffered an injury in early August.

Bandy owns a .214/.294/.365 slash line in 51 games at the Major League level. The team expected Bandy to earn a share of the catching duties, but it simply hasn’t been his year. Whether it’s injuries or poor performance, Bandy has struggled this year. He’s back with on the roster to provide bench depth, and allow the team to monitor his health more closely.

Why is Susac back with the Brewers?

The Milwaukee Brewers actually lack healthy bodies at the catcher position. Pina is nursing a right hip flexor strain, and Bandy is still getting over a fractured rib. Bandy was cleared for rehab games, but the Minor League season is just about over.

Susac was hurt at the tail end of Spring Training, and lost his opportunity. He earned a call up in August when both Bandy and Vogt were on the shelf. Susac barely played and suffered a back strain when Vogt was ready to return. He received clearance for rehab games on August 26th.

Next: Why Is Wei-chung Wang Back With The Brewers?

Bandy and Susac are back to provide roster depth, nothing more. Pina is about to set a career best for games played and Stephen Vogt shouldn’t hit against lefties under any circumstances. The Milwaukee Brewers needed a third catcher for September, but now they have two. Neither will see the field much down the stretch, and there’s a good chance they’ll both play elsewhere next year.