Brewers Initially Using Lance McCullers Jr. In Relief
MLB Trade Rumors • • sports
Key Points:
- The Brewers activated right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. from the injured list to begin the second half, assigning him to the bullpen while optioning lefty Jared Koenig to Triple-A Nashville.
- McCullers, who last pitched on May 13 due to shoulder inflammation, will start in relief rather than as a starter to avoid disrupting Milwaukee's current rotation.
- Milwaukee's left-handed relief corps has been depleted by injuries and struggles, leaving Aaron Ashby as the only healthy southpaw, potentially prompting the team to seek another lefty before the trade deadline.
- Key pitchers Kyle Harrison and Jacob Misiorowski are expected back soon, but Brandon Woodruff is likely out for the season due to a severe shoulder injury, with the team preparing for a formal announcement.
- The Brewers acquired McCullers along with minor-league depth pitcher Colton Gordon in a trade with Houston, absorbing part of McCullers' $17 million salary to bolster pitching options amid a challenging injury situation.
