Tom Gorzelanny injury update: Reliever will be activated from DL following today's game

Prior to today's game against the Reds, Andrew Gruman of FOX Sports Wisconsin reported that the Brewers plan to activate Tom Gorzelanny from the 15-day DL following today's game. Gorzelanny has been out all season while recovering from shoulder surgery, and just completed a 30-day rehab assignment between High-A Brevard County and Triple-A Nashville.

Last season, Gorzelanny appeared in 43 games for the Brewers, 10 times as a starter and 33 times in relief. He logged 85 IP between those roles, posting a 3.90 ERA and 3.94 FIP, with an 8.8 K/9 rate and a 3.3 BB/9 rate. However, he didn't pitch over the last month of the season, as he was shut down after coming out of a game on September 2. At the time, he was diagnosed with rotator cuff inflammation and hoped to return before the end of the season, but didn't pitch again in 2013, and then underwent shoulder surgery in December. The surgery was classified as a "cleanup of the joint", though the recovery took longer than expected.

With Gorzelanny's return, the Brewers will have to clear a spot for him on the 25-man roster following the game. The easiest roster move would be to option either Rob Wooten or Mike Fiers back to Nashville. However, that would also leave the bullpen with four left-handed relievers, which isn't an ideal situation but may be the best one. The Brewers are committed to their other left-handed relievers, as Will Smith and Zach Duke have both put together great seasons, and the Brewers want to hold on to Wei-Chung Wang. Going with a eight-man bullpen wouldn't work either, since the current construction of the bench would mean at least one position would not have a backup available if a player was removed.  Four left-handed pitchers in a seven man bullpen isn't ideal, but it could be the Brewers best option at this point.

Meanwhile, the Brewers have a game to play first. Here is today's starting lineup:

Irving Falu gets the start at shortstop today, and Scooter Gennett is back at second base. Otherwise, it's the same lineup as the Brewers have played over the last few days to back up Matt Garza. The Brewers batters have had success in their career against Homer Bailey, posting a line of .317/.374/.482 against him. However, one of the hottest hitters against him isn't in the lineup, as Rickie Weeks has posted a .516/.606/.815 in 27 plate appearances against him. Gennett hasn't been bad against Bailey himself, posting a .400/.438/.533 line in 16 PA.

Game time is at 7:10 pm. Come join us on the gamethread tonight, but make sure to go predict for Prognostikeggers first.