Milwaukee Brewers: Brad Miller Up, Domingo Santana Down

The Milwaukee Brewers made the decision on Saturday to option struggling outfielder Domingo Santana to the minor leagues. They called up infielder Brad Miller.

Brad Miller Up

The Milwaukee Brewers acquired Miller about two weeks ago for Ji Man Choi, and the intention was always to bring him to the big leagues. They wanted to give him some time to get some more recent experience in the middle infield before bringing him into the picture.

Miller was a first baseman with the Rays and that spot is pretty well locked down for the Brewers. He hit .256 with the Rays before getting DFA’ed, and is more known for his bat than his glove at this point in his career.

He will figure to see a lot of time at shortstop and second base. The Brewers have lacked the production they desire out of those positions offensively and Miller could be the answer to that problem, but he hit .185 with a .554 OPS with Colorado Springs before being called up. Not exactly inspiring numbers, but you never know what can happen in baseball. He could turn it around at the plate.

Domingo Santana Down

This may not come as a surprise to most. We wrote that the Milwaukee Brewers should option Domingo Santana a few days ago, and sure enough, it happened. Santana has struggled this season in practically every opportunity he’s been given, managing a .249 average with only three home runs.

Santana struck out 69 times in 189 at bats this year, continuing his boom or bust ways of 2017. This year, it’s been way more bust than boom.

Hopefully Santana can start hitting again in Triple-A. Colorado Springs is a great hitter’s park and he should be able to find his power there. If Santana gets hot, he could earn a promotion back to Milwaukee or another team might be interested in acquiring him during the July trade season.

The Colorado Springs outfield now contains Santana, Brett Phillips, and Keon Broxton. All three of those players could make up a starting big league outfield.

Santana needs some regular playing time, and he wasn’t going to get it in Milwaukee. This is exceptionally poor timing for Santana as he is scheduled for his first year of arbitration this winter. He was in line for a big raise after last season, but now, that payday is in question.

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With Brad Miller able to play multiple positions and Eric Thames getting more time in the outfield, the Milwaukee Brewers should be able to pick up the slack.