Hamilton's return gives Brewers a good problem to solve

MILWAUKEE -- David Hamilton is back. Now comes the interesting part for the Brewers: finding enough playing time for everybody.

Milwaukee reinstated Hamilton from the 10-day injured list ahead of Friday afternoon’s series opener against the Rockies at American Family Field, ending a 17-day absence caused by a strained left hamstring. Infielder Braden Shewmake was designated for assignment in a corresponding move.

Hamilton started at third base and batted ninth Friday, while Joey Ortiz shifted back to shortstop and rookie Cooper Pratt received a day off.

That arrangement offered the first glimpse of how manager Pat Murphy might balance three infielders he views as everyday players.

“Get them all in there,” Murphy said. “Pratt, Ortiz, Hamilton -- they’ll all play a lot. They’re all starters.”

Hamilton’s return arrives amid Ortiz’s best stretch of the season. Since Pratt was promoted and installed as the Brewers’ regular shortstop on June 16, Ortiz has flourished in a return to third base, slashing .294/.330/.506.

Ortiz reached safely in all four of his plate appearances and finished a home run shy of the cycle in Wednesday’s 4-3 win over the Mets. He also made a diving stop for the final out of the game, adding to the good vibes surrounding “third-base Joey,” as closer Trevor Megill has taken to calling him.

The Brewers do not intend to slow Ortiz’s momentum simply because another versatile infielder has returned.

“He’s been great for us, and we’re not going to do anything to hurt his confidence,” Murphy said.

Murphy believes Ortiz’s surge has been fueled by the confidence to let his best swing loose more consistently.

Hamilton gives Milwaukee another option at three positions after starting 36 games at third base, 25 at shortstop and four at second this season. He entered Friday batting .240 with a .317 on-base percentage, three home runs and 15 RBIs in 74 games. His 18 stolen bases lead the team.

The 28-year-old played two games with Triple-A Nashville during his rehab assignment before rejoining the Brewers. Given Hamilton’s speed and the nature of his injury, Murphy was grateful the absence was not longer.

“I think we’re very, very lucky,” Murphy said. “A runner like that has a hamstring [injury], and I think we’re very lucky that he’s back so soon. Excited about it.”

Now Hamilton is back, Ortiz is rolling and Pratt remains Milwaukee’s shortstop of the future. Murphy’s task is making room for all three.

His solution, at least for now, is simple: Keep them all involved.