Gennett to DL with Oblique Strain
The struggling Milwaukee Brewers lost one of their top players in second baseman Scooter Gennett. The team announced the 25-year-old was placed on the 15-day DL due to tightness in his right oblique, as reported by Tom Haudricort of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Manager Craig Counsell believes Gennett will miss at minimum three weeks, but Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors notes that the oblique strain could keep him out for a month or more. Gennett is enjoying a solid start to the season, as he’s slashing .258/.361/.516 with four home runs and 14 runs scored. While his average isn’t close to the .289 he managed in 2014, his overall ability to get on base has markedly improved as has his power.
In 116 games last season, Gennett hit only six home runs with 18 doubles while slugging .381. Despite the injury this season, he should shatter those numbers by midseason.
The Brewers selected the contract of Hernan Perez from the minors to take Gennett’s place on the roster, and he’ll likely split time with Yadiel Rivera and Rule 5 pick Colin Walsh at second base. Hernan has enjoyed much success in the minors – he’s currently hitting .339 with 10 RBI in Triple-A – but only has a .235/.251/.307 slash line at the major league level. He’ll likely be serviceable at the plate while providing solid defense in Gennett’s absence.
In a corresponding move, Milwaukee transferred righty Matt Garza to the 60-day DL after suffering a strained lat muscle earlier this month.
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