The Brewers announced a trio of roster moves, including the news that outfielder Drew Avans has been designated for assignment. The DFA opens up a 40-man roster spot for Blake Perkins, who was returned from his minor league rehab assignment and optioned to Triple-A Nashville, after spending the entire season on the injured list. Right-hander Easton McGee was also optioned to Triple-A.
It was a little over a month ago that the Athletics designated Avans, which led to the Brewers obtaining the outfielder via waiver claim. Avans made his Major League debut in the form of seven games with the A’s this season, and his time in the Brewers organization has mostly been spent in Nashville, apart from a lone appearance on Milwaukee’s active roster back on June 15. Over 18 plate appearances at the big league level, Avans has two singles and only a .229 OPS.
The 29-year-old Avans has posted much more solid numbers during a minor league career that began when the Dodgers took him in the 33rd round of the 2018 draft. Avans had played only in the L.A. farm system before joining the A’s on a minors deal this past offseason, and he has a .275/.374/.408 slash line, 37 home runs, and 145 stolen bases over 2328 career PA at the Triple-A level.
Between his speed, decent hitting numbers, and an ability to play all three outfield positions, Avans could very well get claimed again by another club in need of outfield depth. If he clears waivers, he isn’t eligible to elect free agency, so the Brewers could either release Avans or just outright him off the 40-man roster and send him to Triple-A Nashville.
Perkins fouled a ball off himself during a Spring Training batting practice session back in February, resulting in a shin fracture that has cost the outfielder the entire 2025 campaign. He started his minor league rehab assignment on June 14 but was set back by a minor groin injury in early July that cost him about a week of action. Since his 30-day rehab window was up, Milwaukee had to make a decision on his status, and optioning Perkins to Triple-A allows him to keep playing throughout the All-Star break.
It is possible Perkins might be in line for his 2025 debut relatively soon, depending on Sal Frelick’s health. Frelick is slated to undergo an MRI after the outfielder made an early exit from today’s game due to hamstring soreness. Emerging as Milwaukee’s everyday right fielder this season, Frelick has hit .294/.354/.404 with seven homers and 17 steals over 385 PA, while also delivering outstanding defense. Losing Frelick would be a blow to the Brewers’ playoff push, but the All-Star break will allow Frelick four days to rest up and hopefully avoid the IL.
Yeah Mark, the 2024 gold glove right fielder is really establishing himself as the Brewers RF this year
Drew Evans, down on the farm
Thought the groin injury reset Perkins rehab timeline?