It's not Chris Mabeus, it's Carlos Villanueva, Adam McCalvy explains:
The team intended to recall Mabeus -- a right-handed reliever who last week was claimed off waivers from Oakland -- in time for Monday's series opener against the Reds at Great American Ball Park. But a Major League Baseball official informed the team on Monday morning that Mabeus was ineligible because of a rules technicality.
Long story short: when you're claimed off waivers, you're (albeit briefly) on the Major League roster. And except in cases of injury replacement, a team can't recall someone until 10 days after they've been assigned elsewhere.
So instead, the Brewers called on Villanueva, a 22-year-old right-hander who was 4-3 with a 3.52 ERA for Double-A Huntsville in nine games, eight starts. Villanueva is expected to serve as a stopgap until Mabeus is eligible.
I'd be surprised if Villanueva gets in a game in his time with the Brewers, but as far as the roster is concerned, he will be pitcher #20. In the meantime, Mabeus will go fill in for Villanueva with Huntsville. Sheesh!
Tags: Huntsville Stars, Cincinnati Reds, Adam McCalvy, Milwaukee Brewers