Brewers place Guerra on DL, promote Suter

MILWAUKEE -- Brewers Opening Day starter Junior Guerra will be sidelined a minimum of six weeks after an MRI scan revealed what manager Craig Counsell called "significant" tearing of his right calf muscle.
The Brewers promoted left-hander Brent Suter from Triple-A Colorado Springs on Tuesday and placed Guerra on the 10-day disabled list. Suter pitched two scoreless innings in a 6-5 loss to the Rockies, while left-hander Tommy Milone will take Guerra's place in the starting rotation beginning Saturday at home against the Cubs.
"The tricky thing is [Guerra] has got a healthy arm and a bad leg," Counsell said. "He's going to lose a little bit of the built-up strength that he has, so he's going to have to start over a little bit there. We're going to try to keep him going as much as we can so we don't have to completely start over."
Guerra, injured while executing a third-inning bunt in the Brewers' loss to the Rockies on Monday, was no longer on crutches by Tuesday afternoon and said he felt some improvement.

"Really, it's just a small rock in the way," Guerra said through interpreter Carlos Brizuela. "I've climbed a lot of big walls, and this is just a small rock I've got to walk over."
The 27-year-old Suter pitched 14 times for the Brewers last season, including two starts. He posted a 3.32 ERA and a 1.39 WHIP in 21 2/3 innings, but he did not allow any runs in his 12 relief appearances.

The Brewers chose Suter over right-hander Tyler Cravy, who had to walk back talk of quitting baseball after he was informed Saturday he would be optioned to Colorado Springs to start the season.
Did Cravy's comments hurt him?
"I don't think so, no," Counsell said. "Tyler was upset and frustrated and shared some things. I'm not going to hold it against him."
Quick progress for Garza
The Brewers' starter already on the DL, Matt Garza, threw to hitters on Tuesday and appears ahead of schedule in his comeback from the right groin strain that cost him a spot in the Opening Day pitching rotation.
Barring a setback, Garza could begin a rehab assignment with Colorado Springs when the Brewers travel to Toronto early next week, Counsell said.
"Matt's health will dictate how we push him," Counsell said. "Right now, we've got him scheduled for two [rehab starts] for sure, and then we'll judge from that point forward."

Last call
• Second baseman Jonathan Villar took the field on Tuesday afternoon with shortstop Orlando Arcia and first base coach Carlos Subero to work on double play turns. Villar's bobbled transfer in the eighth inning on Monday was pivotal in the Brewers' Opening Day loss.
• Milwaukee's No. 2 prospect Corey Ray and No. 26 Nathan Kirby -- both coming off injuries -- were not assigned to affiliates when rosters emerged Tuesday, but neither has had a setback, farm director Tom Flanagan said. Both players need a bit more time in extended spring training before they head to full-season clubs.