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Frelick Set to Make Long-Awaited Brewers Return
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- Frelick Set to Make Long-Awaited Brewers Return
Frelick Set to Make Long-Awaited Brewers Return
(© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
The Milwaukee Brewers have officially reinstated outfielder Sal Frelick from the 10-day Injured List.
After a lengthy rehab stint at Triple-A Nashville, manager Pat Murphy and Co. assessed the state of Frelick's torn labrum, but he's good to go and is eligible to come off the bench against the New York Mets on Tuesday, Aug. 25.
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In the corresponding move, to no surprise, the Brewers designated utility man Jonathan Ornelas for assignment.
Many were surprised Ornelas stuck around once Cooper Pratt returned from the IL, but he knew he'd be counting his days as Frelick's return was right around the corner.
For what it's worth, Ornelas slashed an astonishing .222/.222/.222 during his nine at-bats with the Brewers.
Frelick not immediately in the Brewers lineup
Roughly 30 minutes after announcing Frelick's return, the Brewers confirmed their game one lineup for this three-game slate against the Mets, but Frelick's name notably wasn't included.
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The Brewers' outfield will comprise Jackson Chourio, Garrett Mitchell, and Luis Lara. While it's great to see Mitchell back in the fold after getting hit by a pitch in the Little League Classic, it's clear the Brewers are taking the cautious approach with Frelick.
Remember, Milwaukee didn't let him play in the outfield when he first started his rehab assignment with the Nashville Sounds. They exclusively played him as a designated hitter, just to get a feel for his swing and timing, but then eventually he returned to the outfield.
Depending on how this series opener goes, there's a very real possibility Murphy tries to get Frelick into the game for a few innings. This team would love to let him get another major league at-bat under his belt, and then try to have him record an out or two in the outfield.
Frelick has been gone since July 17
This team seems to be getting everyone back in the next week or so, and Frelick continues that trend.
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The 26-year-old hasn't appeared in a game since Friday, July 17, when he was pulled after his first at-bat against the Miami Marlins .
Frelick's numbers have been down across the board this season, so it'll be interesting to see if he can catch fire with a late-season resurgence.
Frelick currently has a -0.1 WAR in his 276 at-bats this year, and that's an abysmal number, knowing he had a career-high 3.0 WAR a year ago during his third year in the majors, which was by far his best.
