Cooper Pratt Returns To Brewers' Lineup

[Steve Drumwright]

 

It only took one minor-league rehab assignment for the Milwaukee Brewers to determine that Cooper Pratt was ready to return.

The Brewers activated the rookie shortstop from the 10-day injured list Wednesday and he was expected back in the lineup for tonight's game against the Seattle Mariners. Pratt has been out since Aug. 9 with a strained right hamstring. Outfielder Brandon Lockridge was optioned to Triple-A Nashville to make room on the 26-man roster. Also, infielder-outfielder Jihwan Bae cleared waivers and was outrighted to Nashville. Bae has the choice to accept the assignment or become a free agent.

The 22-year-old Pratt made his only rehab appearance Tuesday for the High-A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, going 1-for-2 with an RBI on a sacrifice fly and a run scored. He played seven innings on defense, batting second. He has been a nice contributor offensively in his first 44 MLB games since his debut in June, putting together a .272/.352/.368 slash line with two homers, 17 RBIs and 10 steals. His return allows Joey Ortiz and David Hamilton to resume their platoon at third base and not having to shift second baseman Brice Turang over to his natural position of shortstop, a spot he has played sparingly in the majors.

Lockridge returned Aug. 1 from a gruesome knee laceration he sustained while sliding into a concrete wall attempting to catch a foul ball May 8. He has played in 10 games since, going 2-for-14. He will get regular playing time at Triple-A and a top candidate to be called up when rosters expand Sept. 1. For the season, Lockridge is slashing .273/.345/.313 with no homers, 12 RBIs and six stolen bases.

 

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[Jim French Stepstool]

Interesting that he replaces Lockridge rather than Ornelas. I think it's due to Lockridge needing the ABs in Nashville that he's just not getting here. He MIGHT have a limited role going forward if he can tone down the swing-and-miss issues on breaking balls, whereas getting Ornelas ABs isn't as important.

That said, you would think Frelick is close & Ornelas would be the one to go at that time, unless Lara goes back until 9-1.