Gorzelanny on verge of first game action

MILWAUKEE -- A team with three left-handers already in its bullpen has another closing in on a significant step in his return from injury. Brewers reliever Tom Gorzelanny is nearing a Minor League rehabilitation assignment.

Gorzelanny, who underwent surgery in December to repair damage to his rotator cuff and labrum, had hoped to be in Milwaukee before the end of April, but his left shoulder did not cooperate. He is back on track now, and could be assigned to an affiliate in the coming days, assistant general manager Gord Ash said.

"He'll need the full 30 days," Ash said. "It's like starting Spring Training again."

Because of that timeline, the Brewers will not need to make a decision on the make-up of their Major League bullpen for some weeks. Currently, Will Smith, Zach Duke and seldom-used Rule 5 Draft pick Wei-Chung Wang are all active for the Brewers.

Brewers officials won't worry themselves about the potential crowd there until Gorzelanny gets close to being Major League-ready.