What We Learned: Tyler Cravy's spot in the rotation is uncertain

Yesterday's Results

Marlins 9, Brewers 6

It's a little amazing how two series could be polar opposites of each other. After the Brewers put together a strong series against the Phillies, they have struggled in the first two games against the Marlins. Last night, it was Tyler Cravy that got hit hard, allowing seven runs (though only four were earned) in 2 2/3 innings of work. His rough night overshadowed a good game from the Brewers offense, who managed to rally and attempt a comeback. Jason Rogers, Ryan Braun, and Jean Segura all had multi-hit games, and Elian Herrera drove him a few runs. However, falling behind by seven runs was just too much to overcome.

Brewers News & Notes

• Following last night's game, Craig Counsell said that, with several off-days coming up, he is not sure when Tyler Cravy would make his next start. The Brewers technically do not need a fifth starter again until September 5.
• While the search for a new GM is in its early stages, the upcoming shakeup to the front office could be massive. Noah noted yesterday that the Brewers are planning on making some big changes in house following the hiring of a new GM.
• Adam McCalvy reports that Michael Blazek had a small setback in his recovery from a broken hand and had to be fitted with a new cast. Blazek still hopes to return before the end of the season, even if it's just for an inning of work.
• Over on BP Milwaukee, two of their writers published articles on Jean Segura. Ryan Romano analyzed the power outage that Segura has seen this year, and J.P. Breen talked about managing expectations with Segura.
• After writing about pitching adjustments to Jonathan Lucroy yesterday, Nicholas Zettel of Disciples of Uecker wrote about how luck has affected Lucroy this season.
• Yesterday was team photo day for the Brewers. Cait Covers the Bases has some pictures and video from the event. Also, there's a new Scooter Gnome cutout at Miller Park to advertise for the upcoming game on September 20 (though Scooter would like to point out that it's not life size).

Minor League Update

NL Central Update

• Giants 2, Cardinals 0
• Pirates 9, Diamondbacks 8
• Tigers 10, Cubs 8
• Royals 3, Reds 1

Today's Division Games

• Diamondbacks (Robbie Ray) @ Pirates (J.A. Happ) - 6:05 pm
• Royals (Jeremy Guthrie) @ Reds (Keyvius Sampson) - 6:10 pm
• Giants (Matt Cain) @ Cardinals (Jaime Garcia) - 6:15 pm
• Tigers (Daniel Norris) @ Cubs (Jon Lester) - 7:05 pm

Around Baseball

Roster News

• The Giants are expected to place outfielder Hunter Pence on the 15-day DL with a strained left oblique.
• RHP David Phelps of the Marlins will miss the rest of the season with a broken bone in his pitching arm.
• The Rangers acquired outfielder Will Venable from the Padres for catcher Marcus Greene and a PTBNL.

Other Notes

• The Red Sox have hired former Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski as their president of baseball operations.
• Pitchers are expected to have additional options for head protection starting next season. It will still be on a case-by-case basis if a pitcher actually wants to use it.

Today's Action

After sweeping the worst team in baseball, the Brewers will have to win today to avoid being swept by the second worst team in baseball. Wily Peralta will try to get the win as he faces Tom Koehler. First pitch is at 1:10 pm. (Side note: This is the last scheduled non-holiday weekday afternoon game.)