The Brewers made a bit of a surprise roster move this morning, choosing to option starter Zach Davies down to Triple-A Colorado Springs and recall utility player Andy Wilkins. While the move seems unusual, especially for a starter who has been as solid as Davies, it’s mostly a procedural move. Davies likely won’t even make a start for Colorado Springs; the Brewers are just sending him down to improve their bench depth for now. He was going to get some extra rest with the All-Star Break anyway, and wouldn’t make another start before it. Since he had used an option this year already, it doesn’t affect his available options in the future either. He can be recalled as soon as July 16, the second day after the All-Star Break.
Meanwhile, the Brewers bench will be back to full strength with the addition of Andy Wilkins. He started the season mostly playing first base for the Sky Sox, but has been in right field more often in recent weeks. He put up a batting line of .238/.321/.437 in Colorado Springs, though has been better in the last 28 days with a line of .250/.371/.490. He also brings a left-handed bat to the bench, which has been playing a man short for the last several weeks.
One thing worth noting with the Davies option is that it will take 10 days off of his service time for the majors. Davies entered the season with 34 days of major-league service time, and missed about 13 before being recalled in April. Assuming he is recalled right after the minimum 10 days, this won’t affect his free agency status. However, if the Brewers choose to option him again, it could push his future free agency back one year.