Brewers DFA recent trade acquisition as infielder returns from injured list

When the Milwaukee Brewers acquired former first-round pick Braden Shewmake from the Houston Astros in exchange for cash considerations just before the All-Star Break, most fans weren't anticipating that he would spend much time on the big-league roster. Shewmake, who played 30 games for the Astros before the trade, was acquired in the wake of David Hamilton's placement on the IL. However, Hamilton's hamstring strain was never viewed as a severe injury, so it was only a matter of time before Shewmake lost his roster spot, when the latter return from the IL.

Just moments ago, the Brewers announced that Hamilton has officially been reinstated from the 10-day IL, and, as anticipated, Shewmake was designated for assignment to make room on the active roster. Consequently, the move opens up a 40-man roster spot for the Brewers just days before the midseason trade deadline. As the Brewers consider external additions ahead of the deadline and prepare for the return of Brandon Lockridge from the 60-day IL, the added 40-man roster flexibility is an important part of today's roster move.

Brewers designate Braden Shewmake for assignment, reinstate David Hamilton from 10-day IL

Shewmake's time on the Brewers' big-league squad was brief, but he did put together a memorable game against the Miami Marlins last weekend. In game two of the Brewers' first post-All-Star Break series, Shewmake collected two hits, one of which was a double, an RBI, and a stolen base. He also displayed his defensive versatility by manning both second and third base for the Crew during his brief time in Milwaukee.

Shewmake will now head to waivers, but should he pass through, the Brewers have the luxury of being able to outright him to Triple-A. Shewmake has not yet been "outrighted" in his career and doesn't possess the service time to deny such an assignment, so if he passes through waivers there's a very good chance he remains in the Brewers' organization.

Ahead of Friday night's game against the Colorado Rockies, manager Pat Murphy commented on the roster move, saying, “We were super impressed with Shewmake and what he did for us in a short time…I hope he gets a major league job, but at the same time, if he doesn't, we’d love to have him as depth.”

While Shewmake's big-league track record has been inconsistent thus far, he certainly fits the Brewers' mold; he has excellent speed, great defensive skills, and is a former first-round pick. The Brewers have excelled at "reclaiming" former top prospects or draft picks whose careers have stalled in other organizations. If given the opportunity with Shewmake, they will try to do the same with the 28-year-old Shewmake.

Meanwhile, Hamilton's return is certainly a welcome one, but it comes at a time when his third-base platoon partner, Joey Ortiz, is swinging a hot bat. Ortiz has an incredible slash line of .362/.423/.681 over his last 15 games and is coming off a series against the New York Mets during which he collected five hits in nine at-bats, three of which went for extra bases. Ortiz and Hamilton are both in the lineup tonight as rookie shortstop Cooper Pratt earns the day off, but it will be interesting to see how Pat Murphy navigates his third-base platoon going forward.

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