Milwaukee Brewers: Why is Tyler Saladino back on the roster?

In addition to the recent signing, the Milwaukee Brewers have also called up Tyler Saladino. Which begs the question, “Why?”

After his start on Monday, Adrian Houser was optioned back to Triple-A on Tuesday. The Milwaukee Brewers called up Tyler Saladino. The team followed that move on Wednesday afternoon with the signing of Gio Gonzalez. The team has yet to add Gonzalez to the 25-man roster. While Saladino will likely go back to San Antonio soon, he’s still technically on the active roster. Could Saladino stick around?

Who’s Tyler Saladino again?

He had a solid week or two last year, and looked like a short term answer in the middle infield…then he cooled off. Saladino made 52 appearances for the Milwaukee Brewers in 2018, and managed a .246/.302/.398 slash line with five homers and two stolen bases in four attempts. He actually has two years of arbitration eligibility, but he’s on a one-year deal worth just under $900K.

How was he doing in Triple-A?

Really well. In 17 games with the San Antonio Missions, Saladino has a .276/.348/.690 slash line with six(!) homers and two steals in two attempts.

Why was Saladino called up?

Well, the Milwaukee Brewers sent down a starter, and didn’t feel the need to add another pitcher. The decision was likely tied to the eventual signing of Gonzalez, and they needed to fill a roster spot. Saladino can play three infield positions and slide into the outfield in a pinch. He’s been swinging the bat well, and still has an option left. He’s also a veteran of the ‘roster roulette’ process, and can handle call-up/sent-down process.

Saladino has value as an extra infielder who the team can stash in Triple-A and call up when there’s a key injury. He’s not sticking around for the long haul.

Why not another reliever?

The only options available were Taylor Williams and Donnie Hart. The Milwaukee Brewers just returned the duo to the Minors, and their stay in the Majors…went poorly. They should both return, but that will likely occur after they’ve worked out a few of the issues that led to rough outings they suffered.

Saladino could be back in Triple-A by the time you’re reading this. Another reliever would have made more sense, but the team will likely have to play roster games with their bullpen for most of the 2019 season. Burning up an option, or starting an arbitration clock didn’t make sense for late April. This is a very short term move, and won’t impact the roster down the road.