Gomez not expected to need DL stint

DENVER -- Carlos Gomez couldn't crack Sunday's lineup against the Rockies as he continues recovery for his troublesome right hip. But Brewers manager Craig Counsell said Gomez is "moving in the right direction" and that a disabled stint is less likely than when the weekend started.

• Cast your Esurance All-Star ballot for #ASGWorthy players

Milwaukee has an off-day on Monday before opening up a three-game set against the Mets at Miller Park. Counsell was hopeful that Gomez would be in the lineup for Tuesday's series opener.

"That would be the best-case scenario, and that's what I'm hoping for," Counsell said. "But we'll have to wait until after today."

In dealing with this injury, Gomez's biggest obstacles have been running the bases and chasing down fly balls, which he did extensively before Sunday's game.

Counsell said Gomez's swing has still looked strong in batting practice, but for a leadoff-hitting center fielder, a full range of movement reigns supreme.

"It's just to get over the hump of this thing," Counsell said. "They tested him pretty good today during batting practice, and then he'll have a day to recover. But we're moving in the right direction, so it's just best to wait though the off-day."

With Gomez missing eight of the last 11 games, Milwaukee has turned to Shane Peterson and Gerardo Parra for outfield support. Since June 10, both are hitting above .300 -- .341 (15-for-44) for Parra and .324 for Peterson (11-for-34) -- and have combined for 11 runs, six extra-base hits and six RBIs.

"Shane and Gerardo have played really well," Counsell said. "We don't really have much depth right now. We've gone with three guys this road trip, but they've done a great job."