Brewers’ roster set except for Mitchell’s injury status
PHOENIX – The Milwaukee Brewers’ opening day roster is set, save for one important decision.
The final spots on the roster ultimately went to outfielder Blake Perkins and infielder Andruw Monasterio on the position player side, while Bryan Hudson and Thyago Vieira nabbed the final bullpen slots.
In all, 11 players will make their first opening day roster. In addition to the four players mentioned above, Joey Ortiz, Sal Frelick, Jackson Chourio, DL Hall, Trevor Megill, Abner Uribe and Elvis Peguero were told they made the team.
Mitchell’s status uncertain
A curveball was thrown into the Brewers’ plans when outfielder Garrett Mitchell felt pain in his left hand after being jammed in a swing over the weekend. Mitchell took the day off Sunday, but the swelling did not subside, manager Pat Murphy said.
The Brewers had Mitchell undergo Xray imaging Monday morning but did not provide a further update.
Mitchell was seen going through the team workout on a back field at American Family Fields of Phoenix later in the morning.
He indicated briefly to reporters that he felt fine but still needed to see the results of the imaging to confirm there was no serious injury.
Mitchell’s status impacts catcher Eric Haase, who is in limbo in terms of whether he remains with the Brewers.
“Whatever’s going on in the last 45 days, this kid is in the sweet spot,” Murphy said. “I know it’s spring training and you can get fooled on spring training results, but you can’t get fooled by the person. This dude is legit. He’s real.”
The Brewers have a full 26-man roster if Mitchell is healthy, which would mean Haase would have to be designated for assignment or traded. Haase could potentially remain in the organization if he clears waivers, but given his torrid spring at the plate and proven track record in the major leagues, that would be a gamble.
But if Mitchell has to open the year on the injured list, Haase would get the final spot on Milwaukee’s active roster.
Here’s the Brewers opening day roster:
Pitchers
DL Hall, Bryan Hudson, Jakob Junis, Trevor Megill, Hoby Milner, Joel Payamps, Elvis Peguero, Freddy Peralta, Colin Rea, Joe Ross, Abner Uribe, Thyago Vieira, Bryse Wilson.
Hitters
Willy Adames, Jake Bauers, Jackson Chourio, William Contreras, Sal Frelick, Rhys Hoskins, Garrett Mitchell*, Andruw Monasterio, Joey Ortiz, Blake Perkins, Gary Sánchez, Brice Turang, Christian Yelich. (*Eric Haase if Mitchell is injured)