Tyler Cravy optioned to Triple-A, Alex Presley reported call-up

UPDATE: The Brewers officially selected the contract of Alex Presley from Colorado Springs this morning. In a corresponding move, Zack Jones was transferred to the 60-day DL instead of Will Smith. Jones is currently rehabbing from an injury in the spring, and this means he will be out until at least June now. As a Rule 5 pick, Jones must be active for 90 days this season or his Rule 5 status will carry over to next season.

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Following tonight's game against the Twins, the Brewers chose to option Tyler Cravy down to Triple-A Colorado Springs. They did not elect to fill the roster spot right away, bur early reports were that it would be a position player. That was confirmed a little later, when reports came out that outfielder Alex Presley would be recalled to fill the roster spot. In addition, since Presley is not on the 40-man roster, Will Smith will likely end up on the 60-day DL.

While Tyler Cravy wasn't bad in his time in Milwaukee, he was expendable due to the fact that he had options available. In 5.2 innings pitched, he recorded a 3.18 ERA and 1.30 FIP. He struck out five and did not walk a batter in any of his appearances. The main reason Cravy was optioned is because the Brewers were operating a man down on the bench. Making this move allows them to pick up another bat.

The reported call-up for tomorrow will be outfielder Alex Presley. In nine games for Colorado Springs (not counting today), he has recorded a batting line of .344/.400/.563 with a home run, 3 RBI, and 5 runs scored. Presley was one of the last players cut in camp, with Keon Broxton and Kirk Nieuwenhuis making the roster ahead of him. They are electing to recall Presley over Michael Reed, who has arguably been doing better for Colorado Springs with a batting line of .371/.436/.400 with 5 stolen bases, 4 RBI, and 6 runs scored. In addition, Reed could be moved freely since he has already been optioned this year, while Presley does not have options and is not on the 40-man roster.

If Presley is the call-up, the Brewers will need to clear a 40-man roster spot. The reported move will be to move Will Smith to the 60-day DL. Smith was expected to be out until at least June anyway, so the move would be more procedural than anything. Smith is currently rehabbing his right knee in an effort to avoid surgery that would keep him out for the entire season, and the Brewers won't know if the rehab is successful until around the middle of next month. If it is successful, he would still need at least a month to get his arm ready to pitch.

Statistics courtesy of FanGraphs.com