What we learned: May 14, 2014

Yesterday's Results

Brewers 5, Pirates 2

It definitely wasn't the prettiest game, but the Brewers did what they needed to do to beat the Pirates. Marco Estrada gave up a first-inning home run and labored through six innings, but limited the Pirates to just that one run. Meanwhile, a Jonathan Lucroy RBI single in the third put the Brewers up 2-1, and the Brewers tacked on one run with a Rickie Weeks pinch-hit RBI single, another on a Mark Reynolds sacrifice fly, and one more on a Jean Segura RBI infield single. The Pirates scored a run off of Will Smith to close the gap, but Francisco Rodriguez shut the Pirates down to end the game.

The roster shuffling continues in Milwaukee.

Prior to yesterday's game, the Brewers made a few roster moves. They first activated Ryan Braun from the disabled list and placed Aramis Ramirez on it. Ryan Braun was back in the lineup on Tuesday, though only played six innings and went 0-for-2 with a walk in the game. Meanwhile, Mark Reynolds got the start at third base, and figures to get the majority of playing time there while Ramirez is out.  This also means that Lyle Overbay will probably get most of the starts at first during this time, and Noah asked if that is really the best thing for the team. The other roster move sent Caleb Gindl back to Nashville for utility player Elian Herrera. Herrera had been on fire since returning to Nashville, so we will have to see if that translates to the majors.

The schedule isn't kind to the team either.

It's a tough time to be hurting for players right now. Tuesday's game began a long stretch for the Brewers that will last until the end of June.  Noah looked at this streak on Monday, noting who the Brewers will play and some of the longer stretches. They will play 46 games in 48 days, which includes streaks of 16 in a row, 20 in a row, as a well as a 10-game road trip and a streak of 15 road games in 19 days. This could be a critical time for the Brewers. If they can make it through and still have the division lead at the end, it could mean very good things for this team.

First base remains a point of interest for the team.

One name that remains connected to the Brewers is free agent first baseman Kendrys Morales. The Brewers first base situation has been more stable than last year, though could still see an improvement. However, Noah notes that Doug Melvin is currently not interested in signing Morales. It's probably the right move, as first base isn't bad and the signing would come with the loss of a draft pick. However, should the Brewers be looking to upgrade at first base anyway? That's what Noah asked yesterday, looking at possible options outside the organization. For now, it looks like the situation at first will remain as it is. However, if the Brewers remain in contention and first base remains a concern, that may change.

Cram Session

Brewers vs. Pirates

• Derek Harvey previewed the Pirates & Brewers series prior to yesterday's game.
• Carlos Gomez left last night's game with back tightness, and Adam McCalvy reports that he is day-to-day for now.
• The Brewers challenged an out call at first base in last night's game, but it was upheld. McCalvy notes that this was the longest challenge so far for the Brewers.

Aramis Ramirez

• How much will Aramis Ramirez's injury mean to the Brewers? Ben Tannenbaum of The Brewers Bar looked at the impact his injury will have on the team.
• Over on Disciples of Uecker, Adam Wieser looks at the streakiness of Aramis Ramirez, both the good and bad of it.

Power Rankings

• Jonah Keri of Grantland moved the Brewers up a spot to #3.
• MLB.com has the Brewers at #4.
• FOX Sports put the Brewers down two spots to #4.
• Sports Illustrated dropped the Brewers two spots to #4.
• Justin Schultz of Reviewing the Brew moved the Brewers down two spots to #4.
• ESPN dropped the Brewers three spots to #4.
• CBS Sports had the Brewers down four spots at #5.
• If you're looking for a player power ranking, David S. Grant of Reviewing the Brew has one for you.

Other Notes

• Jaymes Langehr of Disciples of Uecker reports that Tom Gorzelanny will begin his rehab assignment on Wednesday at High-A Brevard County, and looks ahead to the looming roster decision the Brewers will have to make.
• Prior to Sunday's game, Francisco Rodriguez had been perfect in save opportunities this season. Justin Schultz of Reviewing the Brew has some quotes from Doug Melvin about what Rodriguez has meant for the team so far this year.
• Playing well means more exposure for the Brewers on the national level. This week's Sports Illustrated will feature Carlos Gomez on the cover, and the John & Cait blog has a photo of it.  Also, a new billboard went up yesterday for the Brewers in Milwaukee that features Carlos Gomez.
• On the lighter side, Jose Fernandez's torn UCL amid a rash of torn UCLs prompted David G. Temple of NotGraphs to talk to his kid about what happens to torn UCLs.
• Going to Miller Park tonight? You can stop by the Double Clutch for a Pittsburgh Devonshire Turkey Sandwich, or stop in the right-field corner during the fifth inning to take a picture of Hank the Ballpark Pup.  There's also a fundraising walk for the Wisconsin Humane Society on Sunday that Hank will be a part of.

Minor League Update

News & Notes

• Minor league weekly awards came out on Monday, and Tyler Crazy, Jed Bradley, and Chris McFarland were all honored. Brad Krause of Miller Park Prospects has more details on the awards.
• Brad Krause has been in attendance at the Nashville Sounds series in Iowa, and has a photo gallery from Sunday's game, as well as Monday's game.

Check out morineko's daily minor league update for a more in-depth look at yesterday's minor league results.

Division Update

• Cubs 17, Cardinals 5 (Monday)
  Cardinals 4, Cubs 3 (Tuesday)
• Padres 2, Reds 1

Today's Division Games

• Padres (Ian Kennedy) @ Reds (Johnny Cueto) - 6:10 pm
• Cubs (Jason Hammel) @ Cardinals (Michael Wacha) - 7:15 pm

Today's Action

The Brewers continue their series against the Pirates at Miller Park.  Francisco Liriano starts for the Pirates, and Wily Peralta takes the ball for the Brewers.  First pitch is at 7:10 pm, and Adam McCalvy of MLB.com has the preview.

(Also, don't forget to make your predictions for Prognostikeggers.)