Chris Narveson, Blake Lalli elect free agency

Earlier today we reported that the Brewers had brought three 2013 minor leaguers back for next season. Now we can also report that two more players likely won't return.

Moments ago the Brewers reported (via the @BrewersPD Twitter feed) that Chris Narveson and Blake Lalli have elected to become minor league free agents. Neither move was unexpected, but they likely mark the end of two Brewer careers.

Narveson is almost certainly the most notable of the two departures. He's been in the Brewers organization since December of 2007 and has pitched in the big leagues in each of the last five seasons, including 28 starts for the NL Central championship team in 2011. He appeared in just two games for the Crew in 2012 before being shut down with a shoulder injury, and made just two relief appearances in 2013 before suffering a finger injury. He made 15 starts for AAA Nashville this season and posted a 5.14 ERA over 77 innings, walking 24 and striking out 59.

Blake Lalli also appeared in a handful of MLB games this season, batting .125/.125/.125 in 24 plate appearances in April and May. 2013 was his eighth professional season and he hit .282/.334/.447 in 82 games for Nashville. 2013 was Lalli's only season in the Brewer organization, and the team designated him for assignment instead of calling him up to serve as a third catcher in September.