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Peralta takes next step, throws to batters

Counsell sees righty possibly rejoining Brewers in late July

MILWAUKEE -- Brewers starter Wily Peralta threw to batters before Tuesday's game against the Braves and experienced no setbacks, according to manager Craig Counsell. Peralta has been on the disabled list since May 25 with a left oblique strain.

"He was great," Counsell said. "It's the next step, facing hitters. To me, it was an easy, effortless session. He did a nice job."

The next step for Peralta is building up the strength for rehab starts, which should be coming soon, as Counsell sees Peralta back with the Brewers potentially in late July.

"He's going to have to make two to three rehab starts," Counsell said. "He's healthy, but in order to start a game for us, he has to have kind of a base under him in terms of pitches, which is going to take a couple of weeks to do. We can't activate him and have 50 pitches. He'll have to be able to throw 90 or so pitches."

The Brewers had another starter hit the disabled list Monday, as Matt Garza is battling right shoulder tendinitis. The club has two rookies in the rotation in Taylor Jungmann and Tyler Cravy. Brewers starters had compiled a 4.80 ERA, wihch ranked 28th in the Majors entering Tuesday.

Peralta would provide a boost for a staff that has struggled. The right-hander was the team's leader last season in wins (17), innings (198 2/3) and strikeouts (154). He's carrying a 4.00 ERA with 35 strikeouts in 54 innings this season with Milwaukee.

Tuesday's session was a positive sign and another hurdle passed for Peralta.

"He's good. Everything's good," Counsell said.

Brandon Curry is an associate reporter for MLB.com.
Read More: Milwaukee Brewers, Wily Peralta