Counsell gives Eric Sogard first professional start in outfield to keep his bat in lineup

CHICAGO – When you’re this hot, the manager will find a way to get you in the lineup.

That’s how Eric Sogard found himself in left field for the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday against the Chicago Cubs, never mind that he had never played the position in either the minor or major leagues. He did play three innings there in spring training this year, for what that’s worth.

But there was no way Sogard was going to sit on the bench against the Cubs after going 9 for 16 (.600) with a home run and five RBI in the four-game series in San Diego. He had four-hit games in two of his last three starts against the Padres.

“We’ve got a player who’s playing really well,” manager Craig Counsell said. “We’ve got a couple guys who need days off. So, that’s where it ended up today.

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“It’s obviously a new place for him to play. Much like Hernán (Pérez), he’s kind of equipped to handle different things. He’s a good defensive player. Those guys are capable of moving around.”

Then, referring to the raw, windy, wet day at Wrigley Field, Counsell added, “I don’t care who you’re putting in the outfield today, this is going to be a tough day to play the outfield. It’s going to be tough for the best of outfielders today.”

There was no way to predict something like this when Sogard was summoned from Class AAA Colorado Springs to fill the roster spot vacated when Ryan Braun went on the disabled list with forearm and calf issues. Sogard collected 10 hits in his first 17 at-bats (.558), the first Brewer to accumulate double-digit hits in his first 17 at-bats of a season since Robin Yount in 1986 (11 for 17).

Sogard walked in his first two at-bats in the 6-3 victory Friday, then hit his first "skid" with four consecutive outs, ending the day with a .476 batting average.

As for playing the outfield, Sogard said he’d always do some shagging during pregame batting practice with the Sky Sox, so he didn’t expect it to feel foreign.

“I’m just grateful to be able to contribute and be a part of this team,” said Sogard, who missed the entire 2016 season with Oakland while recovering from knee surgery.

“I’ve always taken pride in being versatile. Obviously, it’s paying off now, being able to play all over. I’m having a lot of fun. I’m just grateful to be back on the field, especially after missing all of last year.”

Sogard said having a healthy left knee again has allowed him to use his lower half more at the plate. He also said the 24 games he played at Colorado Springs (.330, three homers, 17 RBI) allowed him to get his timing back at the plate.

“The goal here is to win games so to contribute and help out there is the main thing,” he said. “I try to stay even keel and not get too high or too low. That’s important in this game, to keep that level-headed approach.”

Braun closer: It’s difficult to imagine the Brewers sending Sogard back down (he has an option remaining) when Braun is activated. Braun is eligible to come off the 10-day DL on Sunday, but Counsell said he wasn’t sure it would happen on that day.

“Everything has been going well,” Counsell said. “He has been taking BP on the field. He’s throwing every day, running. We’re making progress. Everything looks to continue to be on the short end of the 10 days.

“I won’t say it will be for sure on Sunday yet, but it will be close.”

What if conditions continue to be wet on Sunday?

“I think his health will be a bigger factor than the conditions,” Counsell said.

Because the Brewers have a scheduled day off Monday, the team could buy two extra days with Braun by waiting until the next home stand to activate him.

Third degree: Counsell gave slump-ridden second baseman Jonathan Villar the previous two days off in San Diego, allowing Sogard to start at that position. Villar was back in the lineup against the Cubs and batting third for the first time, not a position you normally put someone batting .213 with a .279 on-base percentage.

“The last five days, we’ve had a lot of different lineup scenarios,” Counsell said. “It’s not going to look like it has the rest of the year. That’s OK. He just fit there, for me, today.

“It’s obviously not going to be a permanent thing. It’s probably going to be a one-day thing. It’s just the way it worked today.”

Batting third did nothing to shake Villar from his offensive woes as he went 0 for 5 to end the day at .207.

Mariñez claimed: The Pittsburgh Pirates claimed reliever Jhan Mariñez on waivers, ending any hope the Brewers had of keeping him in their system. Mariñez was designated for assignment Monday after compiling a 5.40 ERA over 15 outings with a 2.040 WHIP.