Rickie Weeks Nearing Return for Brewers

Rickie Weeks is hoping to return in some capacity for the Milwaukee Brewers this weekend.  Weeks ran the bases yesterday during batting practice.

Weeks has been out since the end of July after severely spraining his ankle.  Weeks sustained the injury while legging out an infield single during a game against the Chicago Cubs.

Before he’s activated, Weeks has to prove himself able on the base paths.  He had taken batting practice and participated in fielding drills earlier this week, but had done nothing on the bases until yesterday.

Without the option of sending Weeks to the Minors to rehab his ankle, the Brewers will have to ease him in at the Major League level.  This isn’t something that will be easy to do, but the club is considering several options in order to get Weeks back to 100% before the playoffs begin.

Brewers manager Ron Roenicke said that the club will look to pinch hit Weeks late in games in order to get him some at bats.  Early on, Weeks may also see some time in the field if the Brewers are blowing a team out or being beaten badly themselves.

While it wouldn’t involve live game action, another option would be for Weeks to take simulated at bats against Milwaukee’s pitchers.

Before his injury, Weeks was having a fantastic season.  Over his 104 games for the Brewers, Weeks put up a line of .272/.346/.478 with 19 home runs, 25 doubles and 71 runs scored.

For more on the Brewers, be sure to check out Reviewing the Brew.