LOS ANGELES -- Sal Frelick's ability to throw the baseball will determine how soon he’s back in the Major Leagues -- but hitting a home run never hurt anybody.
Frelick, on rehab assignment with Triple-A Nashville as he works back from a right shoulder strain, played four games as the Sounds’ designated hitter before making his first appearance in right field on Friday night. He marked the occasion by belting a three-run home run to open a 9-0 lead over Indianapolis in the third inning at Nashville’s First Horizon Park.
“It’s not as much defense, it’s more health, you know what I mean?” Brewers manager Pat Murphy said. “Can he play in a game and turn it loose throwing a baseball? At-bats are also needed. That’s why we sent him early [to DH]. He’s playing the outfield tonight, and if the arm feels good and he has to make some throws, he’s probably not too many days away.”
Frelick has done some work throwing to bases, but the Brewers were eager to see what that looked like in game situations, Murphy said.
When he returns from the IL, the Brewers will have to juggle Frelick, rookie Luis Lara and first baseman/outfielder Jake Bauers in right field as they seek to squeeze as many runs as possible from a lineup that has scuffled of late.
Frelick is a Gold Glove Award-winning outfielder and has been a sparkplug at the plate for the Brewers, but has endured a tough year with his batting average (.236), on-base percentage (.301) and slugging percentage (.330) all down about 30 points from his career averages.