PHILADELPHIA -- After getting through an injury-free outing at Class A Wisconsin on Saturday, Matt Garza may have only one Minor League rehabilitation start remaining -- affiliate to be determined -- before rejoining the Brewers on their next road trip.
Garza, who has been on the disabled list all season with a strained lat behind his right shoulder, allowed a run on two hits and a walk in 4 1/3 innings against Kane County. Most importantly, he threw 50 pitches, up from 33 in his first Wisconsin start.
"The reports were it was good," Brewers manager Craig Counsell said. "I think he was pleased with his fastball. The next outing will probably be focused on the breaking ball, to throw it more and get it involved.
"I actually have been talking to Matt, and I think he has enjoyed the experience. I think anybody, when you spend a long time in the big leagues like Matt has, it puts a lot into perspective when you spend some time in A-ball. It's healthy."
Speaking to reporters after his outing, Garza said, "Felt good. Everything's there. The break on my stuff, the movement is there. It's just Spring Training for me so the feel isn't there yet. It's coming, though. I'm gaining it back more and more. It's encouraging, to say the least."
Worth noting
• The Brewers formally transferred right-hander Corey Knebel's rehab assignment to Triple-A Colorado Springs. He was scheduled to start and throw about 30 pitches on Sunday then perhaps pitch again Monday before returning to Milwaukee for evaluation. Barring a setback, Knebel could be activated from the DL (oblique) by Wednesday or Thursday.
• The team had yet to make an announcement as of Sunday, but Rule 5 Draft pick Zack Jones tweeted that he was traveling from Arizona to Florida, presumably to join Class A Brevard County for the start of a 30-day Minor League rehabilitation assignment. Jones' bid for the Brewers' Opening Day roster was derailed by a shoulder injury, so his 30-day window in the Minors essentially will serve as the Brewers' evaluation period.
At the end of the assignment, Jones must be added to Milwaukee's big league roster or be offered back to the Twins. The team last week returned its other Rule 5 Draft pick, infielder Colin Walsh, to the A's.