Lance McCullers Jr. Designated For Assignment By Brewers

The Milwaukee Brewers' look at Lance McCullers Jr. lasted just two games.

After acquiring the two-time World Series champion in a trade July 15, McCullers was designated for assignment Sunday by the Brewers. Right-hander Garrett Stallings was called up from Triple-A Nashville. The Brewers now have two open spots on their 40-man roster as the trade deadline approaches.

McCullers was a relatively low-cost acquisition, costing the Brewers minor-league outfielder Jadyn Fielder, son of former Crew slugger Prince Fielder, and covering $2 million of his remaining salary. But McCullers, a starter with six career relief appearances before being traded, made both of his appearances out of the Brewers' bullpen, including one Saturday in an 8-3 win over the Colorado Rockies.

McCullers had a 4.18 FIP (3.86 ERA) in 4⅔ innings, giving up five runs (two earned) on three hits with five walks and five strikeouts. These were McCullers' first two MLB games since going on the injured list in mid-May with right shoulder inflammation.

The Brewers are still looking for a quality arm to replace veteran right-hander Brandon Woodruff in the rotation.

Stallings was called up at the end of June and made his MLB debut with a pair of appearances, allowing just one hit and one walk with four strikeouts over three innings.