Notes: Zach Davies will remain on minor-league rehab program, no set date for his return

Tom Haudricourt | Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

ATLANTA – Zach Davies made another minor-league rehab start Saturday night as he recovers from shoulder and back issues but the Brewers still don’t have a set date for his return to the starting rotation.

Manager Craig Counsell said Davies would rejoin the club in Chicago for the two-game series against the Cubs but go back out on rehab assignment later in the week, probably with Class AAA Colorado Springs. Pitchers are allowed 30 days in the minors on rehab programs, which carries to Aug. 25 for Davies.

Davies started for Class AA Biloxi on Saturday in Tennessee, going five innings and allowing five hits and four runs with three walks and three strikeouts. He threw 86 pitches, 53 for strikes.

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It was the fourth outing on this particular rehab program for Davies, including one at Class A Wisconsin and two with Colorado Springs. Including an earlier rehab assignment, the 25-year-old right-hander has pitched eight times in the minors, equaling his number of outings with the Brewers (2-5, 5.23).

“This was the plan we set,” Counsell said. “What’s important is that we get Zach out there every fifth day and get him into a routine. Basically, we’re going on four months that he has missed (in the majors). We’ve got to get him in a routine of being out there every five days, and that’s what we’re getting done.

“He threw 86 pitches (Saturday) night. He should be able to accomplish that again. Now, we’re getting into some regularity and I think that’s when the performance is going to pick up.”

The Brewers have been satisfied with the performances of the five current members of the rotation, and with off days this week on Monday and Thursday, starters are getting extra rest. Counsell has kept them lined up in order, which means Jhoulys Chacín and Junior Guerra will start in the two-game series in Chicago on Tuesday-Wednesday.

Williams almost ready: Reliever Taylor Williams, on the 10-day DL with elbow tightness, had a lengthy bullpen session Saturday and did well. He is eligible to be activated in time for the Cubs series and Counsell said the decision was whether to do so or give him one minor-league rehab outing first.

“Taylor did great; he is feeling good,” Counsell said. “He went at it pretty good, so it was a positive session. We’ll get through the game today and see what’s going on.

“It’s a possibility we could (activate him Tuesday). We’re either looking at a rehab outing or just activating him.”

Leaning to the left: Counsell didn’t hesitate to put left-handed hitters Christian Yelich and Mike Moustakas in the starting lineup against tough Atlanta lefty Sean Newcomb. Yelich has been particularly good against lefties this season, batting .347 with a .961 OPS, and Moustakas was holding his own with a .263 average and .730 OPS.

“This is always the tough question,” Counsell said. “A lot of times, it’s the opportunity. The guys that get to play against left-handed pitching every time can be guys who make progress. You are going to face a lot less of it.

“Why is Christian good against left-handers? Because he’s a good hitter. That’s why. There’s no other explanation. Travis (Shaw) this year has been a little down (.223 average, .582 OPS) but lately has had some big moments against left-handed pitching. He’s certainly capable of it as well, if you look at his career.

“The sample is always smaller against left-handed pitching so you’re going to get bigger swings from year to year.”

No picnic on Sundays: The Brewers were 4-14 on Sundays entering the game and there was a common thread in those struggles: lack of offense. They had scored 0, 1 or 2 runs on nine occasions and had been outscored, 102-66, a difference of two runs per game.

In the 14 losses, the Brewers had been outscored, 87-37, averaging only 2.6 runs per game. As a practice, the Brewers do not hit on the field before Sunday games, preferring to give players optional indoor BP and more rest, as do many teams.

Despite the struggles on Sundays, Counsell said he has not considered having batting practice on the field to change the routine.

“We have to do things we think are best for the players,” Counsell said. “That would be a silly way to manage things. There’s a reason the guys get a break from hitting on the field on certain days. We have to give guys breaks. Day games after night games fit that pretty darn well. That’s why teams don’t hit (on the field) on Sundays.”

Somebody forgot to tell Atlanta's Sean Newcomb the Brewers struggle to score on Sundays because in two starts against them on that day this season, he allowed 17 hits and 10 runs in only 7 2/3 innings (11.73 ERA).