ST. LOUIS -- The Brewers called up right-hander Junior Guerra from Triple-A Colorado Springs to start Wednesday's game against the Cardinals.
In addition, right-hander Jorge Lopez was recalled from Colorado Springs, outfielder Brett Phillips was optioned back to Triple-A and right-hander J.J. Hoover was designated for assignment. The Brewers' No. 6 prospect as ranked by MLB Pipeline, Phillips had been summoned to replace the injured Christian Yelich, who is nursing an oblique strain.
Guerra, the Brewers' 2017 Opening Day starter, allowed one run in 5 2/3 innings in his first start of '18 for the Sky Sox. The 33-year-old hurler went 9-3 with a 2.81 ERA in 20 starts in '16, but struggled last season, going 1-4 with a 5.12 ERA in 21 games (14 starts).
"We think Junior had a really good camp, had a great first start in Colorado Springs," Counsell said. "So I'm excited to see him start [Wednesday] and feel like he's one of our guys."
Guerra is set to oppose St. Louis right-hander Adam Wainwright, who allowed three earned runs in 3 2/3 innings on April 5 against the D-backs.
"It's a new opportunity for me this year," Guerra said. "I try to do my job, I feel good."
It isn't clear whether Guerra's callup will be a spot start or something more permanent.
"It's kind of active as we're doing it," Counsell said. "We have to wait to see what the game gives us and kind of dictates where we're at, roster-wise and need-wise and we'll go from there."
Cain day to day
Brewers center fielder Lorenzo Cain left Monday's game in the top of the ninth after tripping over Jose Martinez's heel while beating out an infield single.
Cain has a strained left quad and was out of the lineup Tuesday night.

"He's a little sore, but we'll play it day by day," Counsell said. "We have an off-day on Thursday so we'll take that into account, but it's not a DL at all."
Cain said he could have played Tuesday if needed.
"We're being cautious right now, taking advantage of an off-day which we've got coming up here in New York," Cain said. "So take a few days off and be ready to go in New York, hopefully."
Cain's injury, coupled with Christian Yelich being on the disabled list, has left the Brewers' outfield in flux, at least in the short term. The team needs to make a roster move Wednesday to make room for Guerra and the outfield situation could affect that.
"We'll play the game tonight and I'll let you know," Counsell said. "Hernan's [Perez] played center field before, that's a possibility as well. We've got choices out there."