Narveson to DL, Position Player Coming Tomorrow…But Who?
It was announced just after today’s win over the Chicago Cubs that LHP Chris Narveson was placed on the 15-day Disabled List with a sprain of the middle finger on his left (throwing) hand.
After retweeting my announcement of the status change, Narveson added a little bit more…
Then, in the post-game media availability, manager Ron Roenicke stated that it would be a position player to replace Narveson on the active roster but that the specific player in question would be announced at a later time.
Naturally, the gears began to grind in the Brewer Nation thinkspace as people tried to come up with the name of who will be on their way to join the parent club in Chicago for Game 2 against the Cubs on Tuesday.
Here are some possible candidates, listed in alphabetical order by last name, with reasons for and against them getting the call.
Scooter Gennett
- Pros
- On the 40-man roster
- Infielder
- Hitting just under .500 on the young season
- Left-handed hitter
- Could option back to minors later
- Cons
- Limited to second base defensively
- Not a power bat off the bench
- Basically no time above Double-A
- Would only play off the bench
Caleb Gindl
- Pros
- On the 40-man roster
- Left-handed hitter
- Some pop in a pinch-hitting role
- Could option back to minors later
- Seasoned minor leaguer
- Cons
- Corner outfielder defensively
- Off to a very slow start offensively
- Would only play off the bench
Blake Lalli
- Pros
- Plays some first base (an area of need)
- Plays catcher allowing for additional flexibility and allows Roenicke to play Maldonado at 1B more
- Left-handed hitter
- Cup of coffee in the big leagues (with the Cubs in 2012)
- Cons
- Not on the 40-man roster
- No minor league options
Hunter Morris
- Pros
- True first baseman
- Allowing for Alex Gonzalez or Yuniesky Betancourt to start at 3B assuming Jean Segura is healthy
- Had breakout season in 2012
- Defensively sound though not spectacular
- Left-handed hitter
- Would help add a touch more balance to the Brewers every day lineup
- Would likely become the starter at first base
- Has played a little third base in his pro career
- Cons
- Not on 40-man roster
- Has only played a handful of games above Double-A
So, who got the call?
Blake Lalli, who nearly made the 25-man roster out of spring training in the first place, had his contract selected the Brewers following Nashville’s 1–0 victory on Monday evening.
This will give Ron Roenicke some flexibility to utilize Martin Maldonado as he chooses, including playing him more at first base like I reported was part of the plan back in Spring Training before Alex Gonzalez took to the position so easily.
Lalli will wear uniform number 50 and will join the team tomorrow in Chicago.
Congrats and welcome back to the Show!
The move required a corresponding 40-man roster transaction to clear a spot. To that end, Corey Hart was transferred to the 60-day DL. A source told me back on Opening Day a week ago that Hart’s projected return date had been pushed back to June 1st anyway, so this move makes perfect sense in that regard.
The move is retroactive to March 31st (the earliest is can be) so Hart is now eligible to be activated off the disabled list on May 30th.
