Roster Shuffles and Rehab Starts

For those of you who have been calling for Chad Moeller's head on a AAA plate, you got your wish. Moeller was DFA'd after the game last night, and minor leaguer Mike Rivera was called up to replace him. Moeller said he understood the decision, and would accept the assignment to AAA Nashville should he clear waivers. "I don't know why in the world I would go elsewhere," Moeller said. "I have too many people who like me here, and I like the organization. I just didn't hit. Plain and simple. There isn't any other reason."

Mike Rivera, on the other hand, has been hitting. He's hitting .298 for Nashville with 10 home runs and 46 RBIs in 58 games. This is in stark contrast to Moeller's .184 this season with two home runs and five RBIs, and just five hits in his last 52 at-bats. I'm personally sad to see Chad go, because he is a very nice guy, but the Crew needs solid, dependable offense at every position if they're going to make a push for October.

As I mentioned earlier, Carlos Villanueva was optioned to AAA Nashville after the game last night, and Dana Eveland was recalled. Ned Yost made this move to get a fresh arm in the bullpen going into the series against Chicago. Villanueva also wasn't scheduled to make a start for 13 days because of the upcoming All Star break, but with this shuffle he can get some work in the minors.

Speaking of working in the minors, Ben Sheets will finally go on his first rehab assignment this weekend. He's scheduled to throw 65 pitches with AAA Nashville on Sunday in Round Rock, TX. He'll rejoin the Brewers for a workout in Arizona after the break, then throw 85 pitches in an Arizona League game before being re-evaluated. Ben says he's "cautiously optimistic" about rejoining the team for August and September.

Tomo Ohka is slated to make his second rehab start this weekend in Florida, and another in Arizona in mid-July. His status will be evaluated after that start. Jorge De La Rosa was in Milwaukee for evaluation recently, but will make at least three more rehab starts before rejoining the Brewers' bullpen.

JJ Hardy may be off on a rehab start by mid-July as well. He's resuming fielding drills this week, and will leave for a rehab assignment on July 13, barring no other complications.

It looks like slowly but surely our walking wounded are finally on the mend. We could have an amazing second half if we get all these guys back in uniform soon!

Once again, voting continues for the last spot on the NL All Star team, and Cappy is still trailing Nomar Garciaparra. Get to your computers and vote vote vote until 5 pm tonight! Until next time, go Brewers!