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Philadelphia - The Brewers have eased the burden on their bullpen by recalling right-hander Mike McClendon from Class AAA Nashville. He takes the roster spot of right-hander Shaun Marcum, who was placed on bereavement leave to be with his father, who is having heart surgery.

I won't know until we talk to manager Ron Roenicke this afternoon if Marcum is expected back for his next scheduled start Saturday against Houston. He maybe could be bumped back a day because of the off day Thursday.

McClendon, 26, made 17 appearances for the Brewers last season, going 2-0 with a 3.00 ERA. In 21 innings, he allowed 15 hits and seven runs, with seven walks and 21 strikeouts.

In three relief appearances with Nashville, McClendon had not allowed a run in 6 1/3 innings. He had surrendered four hits and one walk with four strikeouts.

The Brewers are thin in their bullpen because they played a doubleheader Sunday in Washington and a 12-inning game against the Phillies on Monday night. Plus, reliever Sergio Mitre was hit on the right triceps by a line drive and probably won't be available for a few days.

LaTroy Hawkins is back from his rehab with Nashville but has not been activated. The Brewers wanted to give him Monday and Tuesday off after he pitched two consecutive days with Nashville before being summoned.