The Milwaukee Brewers optioned pitcher Brandon Kintzler to Class AAA Colorado Springs and released Chris Perez outright.
The moves leave the Brewers with Tyler Thornburg, Michael Blazek and Rob Wooten still battling for a couple of spots in the Brewers bullpen with just a week before the regular season opener against the Colorado Rockies (Aug. 6).
In eight spring appearances, Kintzler posted a 6.48 ERA over 8 1/3 innings. Opposing hitters were batting .325 with 13 hits.
The Brewers would like Kintzler to return to form, but it’ll have to come in the minors. His best season was in 2013 when Kintzler posted a 2.69 ERA in 71 appearances. He struggled last season while pitching with a sore knee that eventually required surgery.
Cactus League
On the field, the Brewers were blanked by the Oakland A’s 7-0 yesterday. They’ll take the day off today.
