Milwaukee Brewers select Luke Barker, option Ethan Small, transfer Justin Topa to 60-day injured list

The Brewers have added a contemporary arm to their bullpen earlier than the second recreation of Monday’s doubleheader, choosing Luke Barker from Triple-A Nashville and optioning Ethan Small.

The promotion has been a very long time coming for Barker, who has quietly been efficient for a number of seasons within the minor leagues. Milwaukee signed him out of unbiased ball in 2016, and he has posted a 2.36 ERA in 190 video games (255 ¹⁄₃ innings), working his means up from Single-A to Triple-A. That robust bottom-line run prevention is backed up by a 3.11 FIP, 27.4% strikeout fee, and 4.33 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

The Brewers additionally transferred right-hander Justin Topa to the 60-day injured checklist, so Barker is successfully taking his spot on the 40-man roster. This doesn’t change the timeline of Topa’s return from elbow surgical procedure. The 31-year-old is aiming for a return later within the second half of the season.

Regardless of Brandon Woodruff’s placement on the injured checklist earlier immediately, Small won’t be taking his place within the rotation. After an inconsistent major-league debut, he’s returning to Triple-A. Small’s minor-league teammates Josh Lindblom and Jason Alexander are candidates for promotions to make begins in Woodruff’s absence.