What we learned: May 22, 2014

Yesterday's Results

Brewers 6, Braves 1

The Brewers brought their offense to yesterday's game. A first-inning grand slam from Mark Reynolds gave the Brewers a 4-0 lead before Kyle Lohse even threw a pitch. Lohse would give one of those runs back in the first inning, but nothing else in eight innings of work. Carlos Gomez also hit a two-run home run in the game to account for the rest of the Brewers scoring.

The Brewers need to make a change at first base sooner rather than later.

Yesterday, Lyle Overbay got the start at first base. He has been part of a first base situation that hasn't put together great numbers so far. With Aramis Ramirez on the DL and Mark Reynolds covering third base more often now, the talk about what to do at first base has grown. Derek argued yesterday that the Brewers need to be more proactive at first base and make a change now. While things may correct themselves, the Brewers don't have time to wait for that and should get things fixed now. The Brewers have a few options that may not be much better, but should be better than what they have right now.

Healthy players will require the Brewers to make some tough roster choices.

Within a few weeks, the Brewers could see both Jim Henderson and Tom Gorzelanny return to the bullpen. When that happens, the Brewers will have to make some tough roster choices to clear space on the roster for them. Noah looked at these upcoming roster decisions and who they likely will move when the time comes. The first decision is an easy one, to just send Rob Wooten back to Nashville. The other will be tougher, since the obvious candidate is Wei-Chung Wang, but Doug Melvin seems committed to holding on to him. It will be a situation worth watching to see if Wang is moved in some way, or if Melvin chooses to sacrifice a player that is performing well instead.

Cram Session

• Prior to yesterday's game, Ron Roenicke cancelled batting practice for the Brewers.
• Joe Morgan of Brewers.com reports that Greg Vaughn will represent the Brewers at this year's First-Year Player Draft next month.
• The Brewer Nation has some injury updates on different players. It includes some information on Gallardo, who is doubtful to make his next start.
• After Tuesday's game, a few of the Braves players and Carlos Gomez went to the hospital to visit the boy that was hit by a foul ball during the game. Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports the boy is ok and has details on the players visit.
• With nearly two months of stats available now, David S. Grant of Reviewing the Brew looks back at the trade that brought Will Smith to Milwaukee.
• Ryan Topp of Disciples of Uecker asks if it's time to panic about the Brewers, and talks about what roster moves he would make.
• Hunter Morris could be an upgrade at first base, but has remained in Nashville for now. Benjamin Orr of Reviewing the Brew asks why the Brewers haven't given Morris a chance yet.
• Nick Michalski of The Brewers Bar says that it has been hard to watch the Brewers lately, and it's ok to skip watching a game here and there.
• Ryan Braun hasn't been himself this year, and Justin Schultz of Reviewing The Brew looks at how Braun is struggling to hit fastballs this season.

Minor League Update

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

Division Update

• Yankees 4, Cubs 2 (13 Innings)
• Reds 2, Nationals 1
• Pirates 9, Orioles 8
• Cardinals 3, Diamondbacks 2 (12 Innings)

Today's Division Games

• Nationals (Blake Treinen) @ Pirates (Edinson Volquez) - 6:05 pm
• Diamondbacks (Wade Miley) @ Cardinals (Lance Lynn) - 6:15 pm
• Cubs (Jake Arrieta) @ Padres (Eric Stults) - 9:10 pm
• Reds have the day off.

Today's Action

The Brewers hope to earn a series split in the final game of the Braves series tonight. It will be a rematch of the no-hitter duel from earlier this season, as Matt Garza faces Aaron Harang. First pitch is at 6:10 pm, and Joe Morgan of MLB.com has the preview.