Daniel Vogelbach, Justin Topa and Luke Maile are your Brewers September call-ups

September call-ups aren’t as fun as they used to be, now that rosters are limited to 28 players instead of 40. You’re more likely to see veterans who have already been in the majors get the call this time of year now, as opposed to those initial cups of coffee for prospects or career minor leaguers getting their big break.

That’s the case for the Brewers this year, as they try to build up their depth while a playoff spot seems extremely likely with a month to go. David Stearns and Matt Arnold are adding a bench bat in Daniel Vogelbach and a relief arm in Justin Topa with their call-ups (which were expected since both joined the team in San Francisco).

Additionally, catcher Luke Maile is getting called up to replace Manny Pina, who is going on the injured list with an oblique injury.

We haven’t seen Vogelbach in the majors since June 22nd as he’s battled recurring injuries and setbacks during minor league rehab stints. Since then, Rowdy Tellez has seemed to establish himself at first base for the Brewers, although the two Big Boys could potentially form a unique platoon, given Tellez’s ability to hit left-handed pitching.

Vogelbach hit .313/.477/.500 with 3 home runs in 18 games with the Nashville Sounds, and drew more walks (16) than strikeouts (13).

Topa struggled in his first stint in the majors after missing much of the year with an elbow injury, but has likewise seemed to turn things around in Triple-A. He struck out 9 batters in 9 innings while only walking 2 and finishing 3 games for the Sounds. He’ll give the Brewers another middle relief option in case they want to start shortening some starts by Brandon Woodruff and Corbin Burnes in the next couple turns of the rotation.

Maile played in 8 games for the Brewers in early May while Omar Narvaez had a short IL stint. Now he’s up to replace Pina, who last played on Saturday against Minnesota.