The Brewers announced they have reinstated right-hander Jimmy Nelson and left-hander Brent Suter from the 60-day injured list. To create 40-man roster space, the club has designated right-hander Aaron Wilkerson and outfielder Troy Stokes, Jr. for assignment. The club also confirmed the previously-reported designation of right-hander Jeremy Jeffress.
Nelson, the former staff ace, has worked out of the bullpen on rehab, where he’ll presumably factor in down the stretch. He’s battled velocity loss and ineffectiveness in the wake of 2017 shoulder surgery. Suter, too, figures to work in short stints as he returns from 2018 Tommy John Surgery. He’s worked primarily as an opener on rehab, although he did work his way up to four innings in his most recent minor-league start. The soft-tossing lefty was a solid back-end command artist for the club before going under the knife, which would be valuable for a rotation that has undergone its fair share of struggles in 2019.
To welcome back the veterans, Milwaukee cuts bait with Wilkerson and Stokes. Wilkerson’s a 30 year-old swingman whose logged 35.2 subpar innings for the club the past three seasons. He has long been an adequate high minors starter though, explaining why he’s lasted three years on Milwaukee’s 40-man.
Stokes, a former fourth-round pick, has emerged as a noteworthy prospect in Milwaukee’s system the past few seasons. Featuring above-average raw power and speed, per Fangraphs’ prospect duo, Stokes had generally shown solid power and walk rates in the low minors. He hit a speed bump in his first taste at Triple-A, though, where his .233/.341/.385 line was 20% below PCL average. That proved too much for Milwaukee’s taste for a player who has increasingly seen time in left field, not center, in recent years, likely due to a below-average arm. That said, it’s easy to imagine a non-contender taking a chance on Stokes’ physical gifts and pre-2019 track record, so it’s possible, if not likely, he’ll be claimed off waivers. He comes with two additional option seasons, so there’d be no hurry to get him to the big leagues before he’s ready.
Wilkerson links to Suter somehow
Crew got Wilkerson and others for Aaron Hill via Jean Segura via Zach Greinke. Suter was drafted.
Wow that three open spots made and used two .I wonder who they are adding to 40 man. I see they have about 10 decent players that need to be added or they could lose them to rule 5 draft. Might as well give some of them a chance and see what they got. I wont be surprised if they knew JJ wasnt going to pitch the rest of the year and I’m sure he comes back next spring on a minor league deal as a non roster invite. in the meantime they use his roster spot, plus he will get paid anyway.
Looks like Tyler Austin , Freitas, Peralta, Faria are coming up too
Stokes has never been in the majors. How can he only have two option years left?
He doesn’t need to get to the majors to have an option year used. Rule 5 guy who they protected, and optioned before the start of the season. Option year used.
KC is so thin from an organizational position player (the pitching is another story) perspective as it pertains to the minor leagues that it should be a no-brainer to take a flyer on Stokes Jr.
Troy has some tools. The arm is below average but he has a solid eye at the plate, a bit of pop and speed. Also has options for the next 2 years. Was a top prospect in HS. Went to the same HS I did. I wonder if there’s anyone left in the Orioles organization familiar with him. Wouldn’t be a bad add for them either. I know Troy would be thrilled to be able to come home and play.