Crew selects Middlebrooks, options Broxton

July 4th, 2016

ST. LOUIS -- The Brewers selected the contract of infielder Will Middlebrooks from Triple-A Colorado Springs and optioned outfielder Keon Broxton following Sunday's 9-8 loss to the Cardinals. Pitcher Chris Capuano was transferred to the 60-day disabled list.
Middlebrooks was batting .282 with 10 home runs and 47 RBIs in 68 games this season with the Sky Sox. The former Boston Red Sox last saw Major League action last season with the Padres when he hit .212 with a .602 OPS in 83 games. 
"We're just trying to get a guy who is really swinging the bat well," Brewers manager Craig Counsell said. "Over the last month, he has been on fire."
Broxton was struggling this season at the plate with a .125 average and eight hits over 75 plate appearances in 29 games in the Majors this season. He batted eighth and played center field on Friday night, going hitless in three at-bats.
Most of Middlebrooks' action has come at third base, where he has played in 295 games over his career. Aaron Hill has started there in 57 games, including on Sunday, but the Brewers think Middlebrooks can still add value elsewhere. He has a .959 lifetime fielding percentage with 30 errors in 730 chances in the Majors.
"Mostly off the bench, but there will be some starts for him," Counsell said. "He's got enough versatility in the infield that there will be some spots for him. "
The Brewers had shut down Capuano from throwing on June 24 after an MRI revealed a left elbow flexor strain. He was then placed on the 15-day DL.
"He has started to toss and play catch in the process to build him back up," Counsell said. "But we're not going to get there in time within that 60-day window."