Milwaukee Brewers: Stephen Vogt Making Progress

MIlwaukee Brewers catcher Stephen Vogt was placed on the 10-day disabled list to begin the 2018 season. He was expected to be cleared on March 30. Though it took a few extra days, Vogt is close to being on schedule for a return from the DL.

Near the beginning of camp when the shoulder injury first appeared, some experts speculated that the Milwaukee Brewers would choose to not keep Vogt. But, much like Ryan Braun, Stephen Vogt offers veteran leadership to a young Crew.

In June of 2017, the Brewers claimed Vogt off of waivers, sending Jett Bandy down to Triple A. This season, his shoulder injury forced him to take five weeks off from throwing. Now, after having completed some plyometric throwing workouts, as tweeted by Adam McCalvy, he saw a doctor on April 2.

What’s Next for Vogt?

His next step is to build up his arm strength before undergoing a minor-league rehab assignment, according to CBS Sports. After that, only time will tell. He would like to be back up in the majors by early May. But, it will depend on his progress in rehab.

If the shoulder is irritated once again, his recovery time could be longer. Plus, the Milwaukee Brewers organization will have more tough decisions to make once Vogt completes his rehabilitation.

How Would This Affect Bandy?

Fellow Reviewing the Brew contributor Trevor Hooth wrote about the “Brewing Backup Backstop Battle.” Though it’s pretty clear that Manny Pina has a lock on the starting position, the injury to Vogt opened up a window for Bandy as the backup.

Unless Bandy has a stellar showing within the next month, it looks like he will have to be put on waivers. Vogt is a better option than Bandy behind the plate as a backup. Bandy had a better defensive year for the Milwaukee Brewers last season than Stephen Vogt did.

Bandy accounted for 0.4 runs saved in the 60 games he appeared in. For Vogt, in his 99 games with both the A’s and the Brewers, he accounted for -6.0 runs saved. Obviously, Bandy wins in that category

But Vogt was better offensively in 2017. Plus, Vogt’s left-handed bat is valuable; it makes it easier to give Pina days off against right-handed pitching. In 188 at bats, Bandy posted a .207 batting average. Vogt posted an average of .233 in 303 at bats.

Next: Braun Providing Reminiscent Spark

Had Vogt not injured his shoulder, it’s likely Bandy would already not be a part of the Crew. The injury merely put off the inevitable. It is unlikely that Vogt will remain in the minors much longer than his rehab requires.