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Brewers infielder Eric Sogard hasn't been in the starting lineup since Sunday, suffering from ankle soreness that's limited him to one pinch-hit appearance this week. While Sogard notched another single in that at-bat, he was unable to run for himself and had to be replaced at first by pitcher Brent Suter.
With the All-Star Break coming up and a man short on the bench with Sogard out, it looks like the Brewers are considering giving him an extended break with a stop on the disabled list.
Based on the comments from Eric Sogard and Craig Counsell this morning, it sounds like Sogard (ankle) could be headed to the DL shortly.
— Todd Rosiak (@Todd_Rosiak) July 6, 2017
Counsell said if a move is made, it will be for an extra body and not necessarily position-specific. So, probably someone on the 40-man.
— Todd Rosiak (@Todd_Rosiak) July 6, 2017
The injury has given Jonathan Villar a chance to take his job at second base back, but he's yet to make the most of the opportunity, going 1-for-13 with 7 strikeouts during the Baltimore series.
Yadiel Rivera would be a logical pick to replace Sogard on the roster, but it's interesting that Counsell would specifically say that Sogard's would-be replacement wouldn't have to be another infielder. That makes sense considering the versatility of Hernan Perez, who could handle second base duties if the Brewers decide to give Villar another mental break.
If Rivera doesn't get the call to return to the majors, Brett Phillips or Lewis Brinson could possibly be in line for another quick cup of coffee before the break. Ryan Cordell and Michael Reed are both also on the 40-man roster. However, if the Brewers want to replace Sogard's lefty bat, Phillips might make the most sense of that group.
Villar is once again at second base for this afternoon's makeup game against the Cubs, with Perez starting at third. If a move is going to be made, it'll likely be announced after the game as the team gets ready to fly out to New York.
Stay tuned.
UPDATE: The Brewers made the move official before today’s game and called up Rivera to take Sogard’s spot on the active roster.
INF Eric Sogard (left ankle strain) has been placed on the 10-day DL, retroactive to 7/5. INF Yadiel Rivera recalled from Triple-A @skysox.
— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) July 6, 2017
While Rivera was already on the 40-man roster, the Brewers also cleared a 40-man spot today, outrighting Michael Reed. We’ll have to see if that means another move is coming soon, or if David Stearns is just clearing a spot in case he gets an itchy waiver wire finger during the break.
Statistics courtesy of Baseball-Reference