Weeks' injury creates opportunity for Gennett

SEATTLE -- Scooter Gennett's demotion to Triple-A lasted less than 48 hours. He rejoined the Brewers on Friday to be the starting second baseman for the remainder of the team's injury-riddled season.

Gennett, 23 years old and No. 10 on MLB.com's list of the top Brewers' prospects, replaced Rickie Weeks, who was lost for the season to a left hamstring tear.

Considering Weeks' struggles over the past two seasons, even before his latest medical setback, could this represent an opening for Gennett beyond the rest of this year?

"I don't know if you say it is an opening, but there is a great opportunity for him right now to play," Brewers manager Ron Roenicke said. "I don't mean that to put pressure on him, to see he has to go out there and play great, hit .300. But, it's a great opportunity for a guy that a lot of people really like and have wanted to give the opportunity to. It's there for him.

"Defensively, we can see what he can do, and we'll see how he handles not just the September callup, where you might get only 15-20 at-bats, but he's going to be out there most every day. I'll move some guys in there once in a while, but most every day, he's going to be in there."

Gennett started Friday against Mariners left-hander Joe Saunders. He had just been optioned to Triple-A Nashville, joining the team in Colorado Springs, just as the Brewers were beginning their game in San Francisco on Wednesday night. In the eighth inning of that game, Weeks was injured running to first base on a groundout.

On Thursday morning, Gennett was informed he was needed back in the big leagues.

"It's unfortunate that I have the opportunity now because [Weeks] got hurt, but at the same time I have to approach it just like I would if he was here," Gennett said. "Do the best job I can, leave it all out on the field and hopefully contribute to the team winning. … I'm used to playing every day, so I don't think it will be a big adjustment."