The Brewers have reinstated outfielder Brandon Lockridge from the 60-day injured list ahead of their game tonight against the Angels. They have also recalled right-hander Garrett Stallings from Triple-A Nashville. The Brewers had two open spaces on their 40-man roster, so they did not need to make a corresponding move to activate Lockridge. They also had two open spaces on their 26-man roster after trading Blake Perkins and Craig Yoho to the Guardians earlier today. Lockridge and Stallings will take those spots.
Lockridge had been on the IL since May. He suffered a right knee laceration and contusion after sliding into a wall in foul territory at American Family Field. He was initially hopeful that the injury wouldn’t keep him out for much longer than a minimum stint on the IL, but it turned out to be more serious. He underwent arthroscopic surgery in June and ended up missing nearly three months.
Prior to his injury, Lockridge was seeing semi-regular playing time for the Brewers, appearing in 28 of their first 36 games. Thanks to his elite speed, the 29-year-old is a strong defender in the outfield, where he has experience playing all three positions. In 360 2/3 defensive innings last year, he compiled 5 Outs Above Average and 5 Defensive Runs Saved. Unsurprisingly, that speed also helps him on the bases, where Lockridge is 17-for-18 in steal attempts for his career. His bat is more of a question mark; he swings and misses too often for a hitter who makes so little hard contact.
Ultimately, Lockridge is better suited to be a fourth outfielder than a starter, and that should be the role he’s returning to. Garrett Mitchell and Jackson Chourio play every day in center and left field, respectively, while recent call-up Luis Lara has been playing well in right field. Red-hot first baseman Jake Bauers has also seen time in right. So, the speedy, glove-first Lockridge returns to the Brewers as a good bench piece. He has two option years remaining and could be optioned to Triple-A when Sal Frelick returns from a shoulder strain.
Stallings, 28, made his big league debut earlier this year. He returns for his third stint with Milwaukee. The righty has yet to give up a run in five MLB innings. He has a 3.70 ERA and 4.49 xERA in 65 2/3 frames at Triple-A.
