What We Learned: Jonathan Lucroy returns to the lineup

After spending over a month on the disabled list, the Brewers finally have their starting catcher back. Jonathan Lucroy was activated from the 15-day disabled list prior to yesterday's game and placed right back in the starting lineup batting second. As a corresponding move, the Brewers optioned Juan Centeno back to Triple-A Colorado Springs. Centeno had just been backup while Lucroy was out, and wasn't needed anymore with Lucroy's return.

Lucroy didn't have a good day in his return, going 0-for-4 at the plate (but very few Brewers had good days at the plate yesterday, so don't hold that against him). However, having him return to the lineup should be a big boost. Once his bat gets going, it will help support a lineup that can use the offense, and his abilities as a catcher may help stabilize some of the struggling pitchers. It's a big boost to a lineup that really needs one.

Yesterday's Results

Brewers 1, Cardinals 0

It's not often that the Brewers can win a game where they score only one run, especially considering how their pitching staff has been in recent years. However, last night the pitching staff came through when the offense couldn't. The one run scored came on a Carlos Gomez RBI single in the first inning. After that, it was a battle of the pitchers.  Mike Fiers pitched six innings and Jaime Garcia pitched seven, with Garcia being the better pitcher after the first, but Fiers not relenting either. The Brewers bullpen pitched the last three innings, and despite some close calls, held the Cardinals in check and got the win.

Brewers News & Notes

• Prior to yesterday's game, we had a few pieces go up previewing the Brewers-Cardinals series. Noah did a Q&A with Aaron Finkel of Viva El Birdos yesterday. You can find Aaron's answers about the Cardinals here, as well as Noah's answers about the Brewers here. In addition, Derek has his regular series preview for the Cardinals series.
• Is Ryan Braun back to where he was before his thumb injury? The numbers suggest that he is returning to his old form, but Noah isn't ready to declare him "back to his old form" just yet.
• Jordan continued his look at the Brewers trade value rankings yesterday with numbers 15 to 11. In it, some of the Brewers rentals and Scooter Gennett make an appearance.
• Derek noted in the FanShots that former Brewer Ben Sheets will represent the Brewers at the MLB Draft next week.
• Will Smith had has appeal hearing yesterday, and Adam McCalvy of Brewers.com reports that Smith was upbeat following the hearing. They are not going to make a decision until after a similar hearing for Orioles reliever Brian Matusz, and a decision will probably come Friday. This could be tough for the Brewers, as Friday begins a set of 17 straight days with games, as well as 33 games in 34 days.
• Mike Fiers has been turning his season around after a rough start. Frank Cesare of Gammons Daily looks at why Fiers is better than what his ERA and record suggest.
• Following the seventeen inning game on Sunday, Nicholas Zettel of Disciples of Uecker has seventeen points about the game and the Brewers.
• The Brewers announced yesterday that Miller Park will host a soccer international friendly for the second straight year in July. Adam McCalvy of Brewers.com has details on the game and how to get tickets.
• Enrique Bakemeyer of The Brewers Bar had a chance to visit the Selig Experience at Miller Park over the weekend, and posted his thoughts on the exhibit.

Minor League Update

News & Notes

• In his Minor Details blog, Jeff Levering discusses some of the recent roster moves the Brewers made and provides an update on the Brewers minor league teams.
• Shortstop Orlando Arcia was named player of the week in the Southern League. He had ten hits (six for extra-bases), six runs scored, and five RBI in the week.

NL Central Update

• Cubs 5, Marlins 1
• Pirates 4, Giants 3
• Reds had the day off.

Today's Division Games

• Reds (Johnny Cueto) @ Phillies (Sean O'Sullivan) - 6:05 pm
• Cubs (Kyle Hendricks) @ Marlins (Brad Hand) - 6:10 pm
• Pirates (AJ Burnett) @ Giants (Chris Heston) - 9:15 pm

Around Baseball

Roster News

• The Angels designated outfielder Gary Brown for assignment and will recall LHP Edgar Ibarra.
• The Astros activated pitcher Bertt Oberholtzer from the 15-day DL and optioned Michael Feliz.
• The Braves designated LHP Donnie Veal for assignment and recalled RHP Cody Martin.
• Diamondbacks catcher Tuffy Gosewisch will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL.
• RHP Robert Coello of the Giants has opted out of his minor-league contract.
• The Marlins optioned former closer Steve Cishek to Double-A.
• The Rangers placed third baseman Adrian Beltre on the 15-day DL with a sprained left thumb and will purchase the contract of third baseman Joey Gallo.

Today's Action

The Brewers continue their series against the Cardinals this evening. Tyler Cravy will make his major-league debut today for the Brewers, and opposing him will be Cardinals starter Lance Lynn. First pitch is at 7:15 pm.