The Brewers activated rookie shortstop Cooper Pratt from the 10-day injured list on Wednesday. Milwaukee optioned outfielder Brandon Lockridge to Triple-A Nashville in a corresponding move. Utility player Jihwan Bae also cleared outright waivers after being designated for assignment over the weekend.
Pratt is back in the lineup after a minimal absence due to a right hamstring strain. He’ll look to build on a solid start to his career, as the 22-year-old has a .272 average and .352 on-base percentage in his first 44 games. Pratt hasn’t hit for much power but is getting on base and playing strong defense, the crux of his prospect profile.
Joey Ortiz stepped in at shortstop in Pratt’s absence. Ortiz has been on fire offensively since the start of July, a dramatic turnaround from an ugly first three months at the plate. He’s an excellent defender on the left side of the infield and playing too well to push out of the lineup. Ortiz should play regularly at third base and kick David Hamilton into a utility role.
Bae stepped onto the MLB roster when Pratt went on the shelf. Milwaukee dropped him less than a week later after trading for Jonathan Ornelas. Bae got into four games, including one start at second base while Brice Turang was battling minor knee discomfort. He singled and was hit by a pitch in four plate appearances. Bae, who was hitting .257/.360/.368 with 36 stolen bases in Triple-A for the Mets before the Brewers signed him, has the right to elect free agency in lieu of an assignment to Nashville.
