Latest Brewers roster move leaves team without a clear 5th starter in the rotation

The Milwaukee Brewers have had issues filling out their starting rotation this year and the picture hasn't been getting much clearer. Ahead of Saturday's game, the Brewers optioned Friday night's starter Tobias Myers back down to Triple-A.

In his place, the Brewers called up Janson Junk. Junk has been operating mostly as a reliever this year and hasn't been called upon as a starting option when he's been in Milwaukee. That leaves the Brewers a man down in their rotation for the time being.

Myers has struggled at times this year. In his seven appearances, Myers has tallied a 5.40 ERA in 26.2 IP. In his last start Friday night, Myers went just 4.1 IP, allowing seven hits and five earned runs to the lowly Chicago White Sox.

Where do the Brewers go in the rotation from here?

The Brewers have a few days to figure out what they're going to do next in the starting rotation. Myers' turn wasn't due to come up again until Wednesday, June 5th. They can't call Myers back up, unless there's an injury, for at least 10 days.

One possible option is Aaron Ashby. Ashby pitched for Triple-A Nashville on Friday night, so he'd be on regular rest if he were to get the call. He put together his best start of the season for the Sounds, going seven shutout innings and allowing just two hits. The velocity is trending back up and after his early season struggles, he looks to be turning a corner.

Still, it may be too soon for Ashby to come back up and the Brewers may instead look to let him get more settled coming back from shoulder surgery.

The Brewers do have an open 40 man roster spot, which would allow the Brewers to select the contract of any number of possible Triple-A options. Carlos F. Rodriguez has pitched well for the past month, Evan McKendry was a non-roster invite who could earn consideration, as could Chad Patrick, who was acquired in the Abraham Toro trade. There's also Tyler Woessner and Garrett Stallings down in Nashville.

Rodriguez is the most highly touted of the options, ranking as the Crew's number six prospect on MLB Pipeline. Chad Patrick has been the best performing pitcher of the bunch with a 3.21 ERA in nine starts for Nashville.

There's always the possibility of an outside addition, but the Brewers do have several internal options to fill in the 5th starter role until DL Hall or Joe Ross return from injury.