Gyorko making case to be in Brewers lineup
Jedd Gyorko, Brewers first baseman (⬆️ UP)
Gyorko had largely been a forgotten man in manager Craig Counsell’s infield rotation but the veteran has been getting some playing time recently at first base, starting three times in the series against Pittsburgh (which included one game as the designated hitter). He went 5-for-12 in those three contests with a pair of home runs, both of which came in Monday’s 9-1 victory. Gyorko has only 52 plate appearances this season (11th on the team) but is batting .261/.356/.609 with five home runs. Perhaps we’re going to be seeing a little more of him in the lineup.
Ben Gamel, Brewers outfielder (⬆️ UP)
Remember when Gamel was slumping? No longer. In six games this past week he led the Brewers in hits (7) and walks (6), despite playing one fewer game than a few other players. Overall on the week he slashed .438/.591/..563. Over his last 11 games, Gamel is 12-for-28 (.429) with three doubles and a home run.
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Luis Urias, Brewers third baseman (⬇️ DOWN)
Getting a chance to play at second, third and short last week, Urias went just 4-for-19 and struck out 10 times. Can anyone take hold of the job at third?
Eric Bledsoe, Bucks guard (⬇️ DOWN)
Did Milwaukee miss Bledsoe, who has a hamstring injury, in Game 1 of its series against Miami? Well, even Heat players said they thought the Bucks weren’t running at their normal pace. There was plenty else Milwaukee needs to fix, but getting the Bledshow back on would be a big plus.
New Brewers pitchers (⬆️ UP and ⬇️ DOWN)
Milwaukee called up three pitchers who had never appeared previously in the major leagues this week. Two of them debuted Tuesday. Phil Bickford gave up four runs in one inning, allowing four hits and hitting two batters. Justin Topa, who didn’t reach the bigs until he was 29, served up a homer in allowing two runs in two innings. At least they got in a game – Trey Supak was recalled Monday and sent back to the alternate camp Tuesday without having thrown a pitch. But, hey, by getting called up he gets lifetime health insurance. Still, congrats to those three even if things didn’t go quite as planned after arriving.
Kamal Martin, Packers linebacker (⬇️ DOWN)
Word came out Wednesday through media reports that the rookie will need surgery and miss a few games, at the least. Martin had looked good in camp and was in line for a role on defense. Beyond that, inside linebacker is the one position where Green Bay probably has its least depth. A tough blow for the Packers a week before the season is to begin.
