Braden Looper against Jason Hammel today, against the backdrop of the draft. The Rockies are coming off a four-game sweep of the Cardinals in St. Louis by a combined score of 33-9, but Hammel has been exceedingly hittable throughout his career, so I have high hopes.
The Brewers made a roster move before the game, activating Mark DiFelice from the bereavement list and optioning Mike Burns back to Nashville. I guess they like Chris Smith, though it would be nice if Macha was willing to use him.
Lineup:
Craig Counsell 2B
J.J. Hardy SS
Ryan Braun LF
Prince Fielder 1B
Mike Cameron CF
Mat Gamel 3B
Corey Hart RF
Jason Kendall C
Braden Looper RHP
The bullpen rest situation:
- Mark DiFelice has not pitched since 5/31.
- Chris Smith pitched an inning on Wednesday in Nashville (17 pitches).
- Seth McClung pitched 3.1 innings on Wednesday (48 pitches).
- Trevor Hoffman pitched an inning on Saturday (11 pitches).
- Todd Coffey pitched 2/3 of an inning on Sunday (6 pitches) and 1/3 of an inning on Saturday (12 pitches).
- Mitch Stetter pitched 2/3 of an inning on Sunday (13 pitches) and 1.1 innings on Saturday (15 pitches).
- Carlos Villanueva pitched an inning on Sunday (32 pitches).