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Davies suffers setback

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Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Zach Davies was scheduled to pitch for Class A Wisconsin on a rehab assignment on Friday.  Instead, Davies will skip that start and undergo an MRI to try to figure out what is causing his ongoing back stiffness.

Davies first went on the disabled list on May 30 with a shoulder issue.  During his rehab process, he began experiencing lower back tightness, which has been a concern since then.

Davies won 17 games for the Brewers a year ago but has made only eight starts this year, posting a 2-5 record and a 5.23 ERA.

After losing Brent Suter with a UCL injury, it leaves Brewers general manager David Stearns potentially pursuing a starter before the MLB trade deadline at the end of the month.

 

Thames could miss two months with thumb injury

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Eric Thames

The Milwaukee Brewers received more bad news on the injury front on Wednesday.  An MRI showed first baseman Eric Thames suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb.  It’s an injury that could keep him out for two months.

Thames was placed on the 10-day disabled list.  The Brewers recalled right-hander Brandon Woodruff from Triple-A Colorado Springs.

Thames is scheduled to undergo further testing today to determine if surgery on the thumb is necessary.  General Manager David Stearns said surgery isn’t a definite, but it is likely.

Washington’s Bryce harper missed two months in 2014 with the same injury.  In 2017, Mike Trout suffered the same injury but missed just six weeks time.

Thames suffered the injury Tuesday night while trying to dive for a ground ball in the eighth inning.  He jammed his glove hand into the ground while making the play, suffering the injury.

Thames is hitting .250, leading the team with seven home runs.  In his absence, Jesus Aguilar will serve as the primary first baseman with Ryan Braun likely making some occasional starts there.

It’s possible the Brewers could give first baseman Ji-Man Choi a chance.  Choi is playing at AAA Colorado Springs.

 

 

Braun open to moving back to infield

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Ryan Braun: Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI

The recent additions of Christian Yelich and Lorenzo Cain give the Brewers a lot of depth in the outfield.  To alleviate the potential logjam, General Manager David Stearns confirmed on Friday that he had discussed with Ryan Braun, the idea of the veteran player to give first base a try in spring training.

At Sunday’s “Brewers On Deck” event, Braun said he’s ready to give it a shot if it helps the team.

Braun was drafted as an infielder and was named the National League’s Rookie of the Year in 2007 as a third baseman.  But he moved to the outfield in 2008 and hasn’t returned since.

The addition of Yelich and Cain means the Brewers will have two starters already set.  Then there’s Braun, Domingo Santana, Brett Phillips and Keon Broxton.

Santana has been floated as trade bait all off-season, but if he should return, the Brewers are going to want to have some flexibility.  Santana played in 151 games last season as the teams right fielder.  He hit .278 with 30 home runs and 85 RBI. [Read more…]

Brewers sign Chase Anderson to multi-year deal

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Chase Anderson (File) Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI

The Milwaukee Brewers have signed right-handed pitcher Chase Anderson to a two-year contract through the 2019 season with club options for 2020 and 2021.

“Signing Chase to a multi-year contract furthers our strategy to acquire, develop and retain talent throughout our organization,” said general manager David Stearns.  “Chase’s 2017 performance elevated his stature in the game and demonstrated that he has the capability to lead a rotation.  Since he arrived in Milwaukee, Chase has been a model contributor to our community both on and off the field.  We are happy for him and his family and look forward to Chase’s contributions for years to come.”

The 29-year-old Anderson, who was eligible for arbitration, went 12-4 with a 2.74 ERA in 25 starts for the Brewers in 2017.  He set career highs for wins and strikeouts (133) and tied his career high with 13 quality starts.  Anderson has gone 17-5 with a 2.69 ERA over his last 37 starts dating back to July 25, 2016.  His ERA since that date ranks fourth in the Major Leagues among starting pitchers (minimum 35 starts).

Anderson was acquired from Arizona as part of a five-player trade on January 30, 2016.  He owns a career record of 36-28 with a 3.87 ERA in 104 games (103 starts) with Arizona (2014-15) and Milwaukee (2016-current).  He is 21-15 with a 3.59 ERA in 56 games (55 starts) as a Brewer.

Brewers have three picks on day 1 of 2017 MLB draft

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The Milwaukee Brewers have three picks on day one of the Major League First-Year Player Draft, which starts Monday night (6 p.m. CT).  The Brewers own the ninth overall selection, as well as pick number-34 (Competitive Balance Round A) and number-46 (Second Round) that same night.

The First-Year Player Draft covers three days from Monday through Wednesday and will take place at the MLB network Studio 42 in Secaucus, New Jersey.

The Brewers have selected ninth overall only once before in team history.  Milwaukee selected Geoff Jenkins from USC with the ninth overall pick in the 1995 First-Year Player Draft.  Jenkins spent 10 years with the Brewers and hit .277 with 287 doubles, 212 homers and 704 RBI.

The Draft, which is comprised of 40 rounds, will continue on Tuesday at noon (CT) for Rounds 3-10 and then again on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. CT for rounds 11-40.

Brewers Open season against Rockies today (AUDIO)

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The Milwaukee Brewers, in the second season of their current rebuild, open the 2017 campaign against the Colorado Rockies at Miller Park (1:10 p.m.) today.

By the numbers, the Brewers are 25-22-1 all time on opening day, including a 10-8 home mark (4-4 Miller Park).  They’re opening at home for the sixth straight season and for the fourth time against the Rockies.  All three previous opening matchups against the Rockies have also come at Miller Park and the Brewers are 1-2 in those matchups.

The Brewers went 5-1 against Colorado last season, including a 3-0 record at Miller Park.

Ryan Braun will become the fourth player in franchise history to start at least 10 openers.  Robin Yount started 19, Paul Molitor 12 and Jim Gantner 11.

Junior Guerra gets the opening day nod for the Brewers.  He went 9-3 with a 2.81 ERA last season.  The Rockies counter with Jon Gray, who finished 10-10 with a 4.61 ERA last season. [Read more…]

Brewers add to their pitching staff

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Junior Guerra – Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI

The Milwaukee Brewers signed free-agent left-hander Tommy Milone to a one-year deal on Wednesday.

The 29-year-old Milone has pitched six years in the majors, the last two-plus for the Minnesota Twins.  He went 3-5 with a 5.71 ERA for the Twins last season.

Milone will be given a chance to contend for a spot at the back of the starting rotation, if not a spot in the bullpen.  The Brewers finished last season with just one lefty (Brent Suter) on their roster.

The Brewers have seven candidates (Jimmy Nelson, Zach Davies, Junior Guerra, Wily Peralta, Matt Garza, Chase Anderson and now Tommy Milone) for five starting spots.

The Brewers have had inquiries from other teams concerning Guerra.

Brewers sign first baseman, designate Carter for assignment

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brewers-logoThe Milwaukee Brewers have signed free agent first baseman/outfielder Eric Thames to a three-year contract with a club option for 2020.

“Eric brings to the organization a left-handed power bat that is a good fit for our lineup,” said General Manager David Stearns. “His ability to play first base along with both corner outfield positions adds versatility to the roster. Eric has been extremely impressive over his last three seasons in Korea, and we look forward to his return to the Major Leagues in 2017.”

Thames just turned 30-years-old (Nov. 10), spent the last three seasons playing for the NC Dinos of the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO), where he hit .348 with 124 HR, 379 RBI and 64 stolen bases in 388 games.  He hit .317 with 40 HR, 118 RBI and 13 stolen bases in 121 games this season. [Read more…]

Brewers extend Counsell through 2020 (Audio)

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Craig Counsell: Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI

Craig Counsell: Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI

The Milwaukee Brewers announced Friday that they have extended the contract of manager Craig Counsell through the 2020 season.

Counsell became the 19th manager in franchise history on May 4, 2015 and was given a three-year deal at the time.  He replaced Ron Roenicke, who was fired after the Brewers got off to a 7-18 start that season.

The Brewers started a rebuild of the franchise shortly after Counsell was named the teams skipper.  Before that season was done, David Stearns was hired to take over for Doug Melvin. [Read more…]

Brewers to bring coaching staff back in 2017 (AUDIO)

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Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell / Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI

Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell / Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI

Milwaukee Brewers general manager David Stearns announced on Tuesday that the teams entire coaching staff would return in 2017.

Stearns, along with manager Craig Counsell, wrapped up the team’s 73-89 season with a morning news conference at Miller Park.

Counsell said it was important for the growth of the young team to keep the coaching staff together for next season.

“I think that speaks to both the quality of job we think they did throughout the major league season and the continuity we’re looking to build throughout our entire organization,” said Stearns. “Certainly, it’s a deserving group and we’re very pleased to have that group back.” [Read more…]