Milwaukee Brewers: Christian Yelich Back, Jorge Lopez Optioned Down

SAN DIEGO, CA - MARCH 31: Eric Thames
SAN DIEGO, CA - MARCH 31: Eric Thames

The Milwaukee Brewers are getting healthier, which is great news. After being placed on the 10-day disabled list, outfielder Christian Yelich has been reinstated. Unfortunately for pitcher Jorge Lopez, in order for Yelich to come back, someone had to be sent down.

Getting Healthy

It’s beginning to look like things are only going to go up from here. The Milwaukee Brewers announced Christian Yelich’s reinstatement from the 10-day DL today. Although he is not going to be in today’s lineup against the Cincinnati Reds, a few other names are returning in tonight’s game.

Ryan Braun and Eric Thames are both back in the lineup after minor injuries held them out. Braun suffered from back tightness and Thames left Sunday’s game with a left groin injury. Having them back is definitely a step in the right direction.

Considering the poor showing in Monday night’s game against the Reds, there is no better news for Milwaukee Brewers fans.

The Corresponding Move

Because Christian Yelich is returning from the disabled list, the Milwaukee Brewers needed to make a corresponding move. Unfortunately for Jorge Lopez, he was the unlucky one.

Lopez was called up from Triple-A Colorado Springs on April 11. He is set to return there now. He played Monday night against the Reds.

His pitching was not stellar. The real mark he made was with his two out, two-run double. He leaves the majors batting 1.000, which is great. But, it wasn’t enough. His performance on the mound was not enough to keep him around.

He gave up two hits and a run in three innings, but he walked three batters. Of the 45 pitches he threw, only 60% were strikes. Consequently, he was the man to go.

What Does This Mean?

All sorts of great things. Although Christian Yelich is not in the starting lineup tonight, he will be available off the bench. According to Tom Haudricourt, he will hopefully start tomorrow.

In the six games Yelich has been healthy enough to play in, the Milwaukee Brewers have a record of 4-2. In his 26 at bats as a Brewer, he has 10 hits and has scored six times.

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With Yelich in the lineup, the Milwaukee Brewers are a better team. Plus, with Braun and Thames both healthy again, they are in fantastic shape.