The Brewers announced that they have selected the contract of utilityman Hernan Perez. Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel first indicated (via Twitter) that a move was coming.
To create a 40-man spot, the club designated righty Burch Smith for assignment. Infielder Travis Shaw was optioned out for an active roster space.
The 28-year-old Perez lost his 40-man spot earlier in the year after serving as a fixture in recent campaigns. He was hitting just .235/.277/.383 at the time, the third-straight season in which he has fallen shy of a .300 OBP (after barely topping that mark in 2016). Perez has performed better against Triple-A pitching (.290/.372/.523).
Smith, 29, was knocked around in his brief MLB time with the Brewers. He has generated better results at Triple-A, turning in a 2.33 ERA with 9.9 K/9 and 4.3 BB/9 through 77 1/3 innings across 15 starts. Clearly, though, the Milwaukee organization wasn’t convinced that he’d be a significant contributor in the majors down the stretch.
The Brewers still aren’t giving up on Shaw. He has endured a miserable campaign both before and after his earlier demotion, with a cumulative .162/.276/.279 batting line over 228 plate appearances. It’s certainly possible he’ll end up back in the majors, once roster expand if not sooner, but it seems he’s on a trajectory for an offseason non-tender at this point.
There’s ~60 games left and Shaw just never put it together. There’s only so many chances he can get. He played well in Triple-A but it doesn’t carry over.
Last 7 Games: .182 BA, .308 OBP, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 5Ks
Last 15 Games: .118 BA, .250 OBP, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 11Ks
Last 30 Games: .145 BA, .301 OBP, 2 HR 5 RBI, 32 Ks
He’s done.
I think he fits into that “change of scenery” category. He’s put up two solid seasons, after given a chance to play everyday, and this year has completely fallen apart.
Over as a Brewer. Let down the organization this year by going in the tank.
Let down the organization? pulease. He didn’t start at all (maybe one game) when he was called up last. Tough to get in a groove as a pinch hitter. Hand injury at the beginning of the season played a part dontcha know
That’s a very good move. Perez is definitely an important part for the Brewers. There isnt a measuring stick for what he brings to the table in the club house. Think maybe Shaw should just go down relax and if he has to take time for the family let him. I’m not making excuses for him but when our kids are sick it will effect any good parent. I still hope to see William’s and Barker get a chance to help the bullpen. Think Suter is going to make an impact this year.
He’s a nice guy and was a 4 WAR guy for two years. I agree with Ruben, a change of scenery might do him good. I’d like him to get a good payday and see the playoffs… I don’t think it will be with the Brewers