Milwaukee Brewers: Nate Orf freed, called up to Big Leagues

The Milwaukee Brewers have given the fans their wish, calling up infielder Nate Orf from Triple-A Colorado Springs.

Nate Orf has been raking at Triple-A for a year and a half now. Yet this is his first opportunity in the big leagues. The depth at the major league level has been thinned a bit by injuries in recent days. With Lorenzo Cain on the DL and Christian Yelich, Ryan Braun, and Travis Shaw all dealing with injuries, another bat was needed.

Orf is hitting .307/.412/.463 with six homers and 20 stolen bases this season in Colorado Springs. He has 18 doubles and three triples on the season as well.

The 28 year old super utility player can fill an Hernan Perez type role on the team. But Orf has had more success with the bat lately. After a great last night in Triple-A, he’s finally earned his call-up.

Orf was not on the 40 man roster, so a separate roster move needed to be made for him to get called up to the big leagues.

Corresponding Roster Moves

Aaron Wilkerson, who was called up for Sunday’s game, has been sent back to Triple-A after pitching three innings against the Reds. This is not at all surprising as he would not be able to pitch for a couple days anyways. Wilkerson also struggled, allowing five more runs to cross the plate after taking over for Freddy Peralta.

Since Orf was not on the 40 man roster, a spot needed to be cleared for him, and Nick Franklin has been moved to the 60 day DL. Franklin got the call over Orf back in May and immediately injured his quad in his first start back in Milwaukee.

Franklin’s injury is worse than it originally appeared and he’s been out for about two months anyways.

Now Orf can finally get his chance with the Milwaukee Brewers as the options have run thin in the middle infield.

Orf’s First Chance

Nate Orf is going to make his major league debut at the age of 28. If he can hit at the big league level the same way he’s been able to hit in Triple-A, he could turn this into a longer stay than what the Brewers have planned.

Being in Colorado Springs for the past few years may have bumped his numbers a little bit. But by all accounts, Orf is a hard working kid who is finally getting his shot. With Tyler Saladino on the mend, it might be a short stay in Milwaukee, but at least he’ll have a chance to say he played in the big leagues.

Next: Brewers Team Needs at July Deadline

The Milwaukee Brewers have called up Orf just in time for the start of the series against the Minnesota Twins.