The Brewers have designated left-hander Dan Merklinger for assignment to clear a 40-man roster spot for tonight's starting pitcher, Marco Estrada, according to MLB.com's Adam McCalvy.
Merklinger, 25, posted a 3.65 ERA in 143 minor league innings last year, mostly at Class A. Overall, the 2007 sixth rounder struck out more than a batter per inning (9.3 K/9) and limited his walks (2.8 BB/9).
Estrada, 27, will start for the Brewers against the Braves tonight. He has an 8.04 ERA in his 31 1/3 big league innings with an impressive 32 strikeouts. He pitched well enough this spring for manager Ron Roenicke to add him to the rotation, at least for now with Zack Greinke sidelined.
Do you have to let it Merklinger?
Minus five points for twenty year old pop culture reference.
Here’s to hoping that Estrada won’t have to throw a two-hit shoutout in order for the Brewers to win tonight.
Where is Dan now?