Braun sits out, but should play in opener
The Brewers played the fifth game Sunday in their “Blue & Gold World Series” at Miller Park and Ryan Braun has yet to see action. Manager Craig Counsell said Friday that Braun was still working through some minor physical issues that have stopped him from playing, and nothing changed on that front.
“I mean, I’m still confident he’s going to be fine (for the season opener Friday in Chicago) but it’s Sunday,” Counsell said. “We’ve got three days of games left after today (including an exhibition game Wednesday night against the White Sox). He’s got to get on the field soon, yes.”
Second baseman Keston Hiura, who missed the last three games with right arm fatigue, was back in the lineup but as the DH, giving his arm another day of rest.
During an in-game interview, Hiura said his arm was feeling fine and he expected to be back in the field Monday.
Saturday was mostly a day of rest before the Brewers resumed game action and Counsell thought it was a good time for a break after two weeks straight of work.
“The timing of the camp, our light days, I think has been really helpful,” Counsell said. “We got everybody off their feet as position players.
“We’re close, right? We’re five days away and I think the guys sense that. The schedule has worked out well. We got some things done (Saturday) with some meetings and some treatments and some guys getting off their feet. Now, it’s back to work for that final little stretch here.”
Right-hander Brandon Woodruff made his final tune-up for his opening day assignment in Chicago against the Cubs and was sharp. In five innings, Woodruff allowed only four hits and an unearned run with no walks and five strikeouts.
The Gold prevailed by a 4-2 score and has won four of five games in the series that will continue Monday. Christian Yelich continued to struggle, going 0 for 5 with four strikeouts. In the series, he is 1 for 18 (.055) with 12 strikeouts.
Relievers making impression
Most of the remaining decisions the Brewers have for their opening 30-man roster involve filling out their bullpen on what figures to be a 16-man staff. Some spots are obviously set, such as Josh Hader, Corey Knebel, Brent Suter, Alex Claudio, David Phelps, Justin Grimm and likely Ray Black, who is out of minor-league options. Freddy Peralta has been stretched out as a starter but likely will pitch in relief as well.
Black’s status might have changed Sunday, however, when he exited his scheduled inning with some kind of physical issue. Black had been bothered by a lower back issue during spring camp.
J.P. Feyereisen and side-armer Eric Yardley, both of whom are on the 40man roster, have thrown the ball well. Counsell also mentioned two others also on the 40-man – Devin Williams and Bobby Wahl.
“As we get closer, it’s fun to see all of them ramp it up a little bit, and I think you see it from a lot of guys,” Counsell said. “They know themselves as well as anybody and so you have to ramp it up as you go. Some guys come out kind of blazing because that’s where they’re at (in their preparation) and some guys slowing ramp up.
“I don’t think it’s completely fair to evaluate everything. If you’re asking for names, I’d say Devin Williams – his last outing was as good as we’ve seen in camp. I think Bobby Wahl’s last outing was a really nice outing, and he’s a guy we’re encouraged by because he has been snake-bit by bad luck and injuries (including a torn ACL in 2019). Having him in a good place and throwing the ball well is hopefully going to pay dividends for us.”
Grimm, a veteran invited to camp as a non-roster player, was told Sunday he had made the club and then added three more strikeouts to his camp total.
Knebel, who sat out all of 2019 after undergoing Tommy John surgery, did not have the expected step of a minorleague rehab assignment and has been working to get his velocity back to the mid 90s (his fastball has averaged 96.3 mph in the majors), but Counsell said he likes what he has seen.
“Essentially, this camp has been his minor-league rehab part of the process, I guess,” Counsell said. “Plus, we added a couple months of, really, just a throwing program. The COVID time added that. I think Corey is in a really good
spot.”
Narváez making progress
When the Brewers traded for Seattle catcher Omar Narváez in early December, he came with a well-earned reputation for being an offensive player who had defensive issues behind the plate. Now, with more than a month of spring training and two weeks and counting of summer camp to work with the Brewers’ pitchers, Counsell likes what he’s seeing.
“This really gave Omar more time. I think it’s three additional weeks instead of the 10 days we were from the season (when camps were closed in March),” Counsell said. “So, he’s gotten more time. It’s just more time, more comfort, more time with our coaches. So, Omar is in a good place.
“More time with (backup catcher) Manny (Piña), who is experienced with us. Omar is ready. He’s in a good place. He has caught these guys several times. We’re done trying to match up Omar with any pitchers (for additional work) because he’s already caught everybody plenty.”
Narváez certainly has lived up to his billing as an offensive player by slugging three home runs in five games in the “Blue & Gold World Series,” including one Sunday.
As for how he’ll allot playing time between Narváez and Piña, Counsell said, “I mean, I’m not going to announce a schedule. They’re just going to both help us win, is the best way I can describe it.”
Development key for Rasmussen
Of the 45 players invited to summer camp, right-hander Drew Rasmussen stood out because of his scant experience as a pro. Rasmussen, who turns 25 on July 27, was a sixth-round draft pick in 20198 out of Oregon State and has pitched in only 27 minor-league games after undergoing two Tommy John surgeries while in college.
Despite those elbow issues, Rasmussen regular throws in the high 90s and the Brewers wanted to take another look at him but Counsell said he’ll start the season at the Alternate Training Site in Appleton to get some further work and development.