Camp report: Chase Anderson settles in and Christian Yelich has big day at plate

On the field: Right-hander Chase Anderson got better and better as the game went on during his start against a split-squad Dodgers team. After allowing two hits and three runs over the first two innings, including a tape-measure homer by Edwin Rios, Anderson surrendered three hits and no runs over the next four in the longest outing by a Brewers starter this spring.

“It was awesome to get up and down six times and still have pitches to go,” said Anderson, who threw 11 extra pitches in the bullpen afterward to get to his limit of 90. “It was encouraging, after getting through the first couple of innings kind of rough. I found my rhythm, timing and release point.”

It was the last Cactus League start before his opening day assignment for Anderson, who will make his next start in the minors. 

It was a bit day for leadoff hitter Christian Yelich, who hit a tape-measure homer to go with a two-run single and two walks. Ryan Braun chipped in a pair of RBI doubles.

After the game, the Brewers sent down second baseman Keston Hiura and right-hander Michael Brady. Hiura, a first-round draft pick who was playing in college last spring, had a huge first camp, batting .433 with a 1.019 OPS, living up to his reputation as an elite hitting prospect.

“He had a really good spring,” manager Craig Counsell said. “The point for him really was to observe, and he said he did that but he also played very well. He not only hit well, he played a good second base.

"The trick now is to build on this. He had a great camp and he’s got a great future.”

Hiura went out of camp in style, going 2-for-2 in the win over the Dodgers.

“I feel good right now,” Hiura said. “I’ve had a great time learning from the players, coaches and the other staff here.

"I wasn’t trying to do too much going in. I didn’t feel like I had a lot of pressure to make a huge impression. It was more just to do my thing.  I’m very grateful they gave me this opportunity.”

Weather: Mostly sunny, breezy, 64 degrees.

Cactus Juice: Former Brewers closer Jim Henderson has returned to the organization on a minor-league contract with a “player/coach” role in mind. Henderson, 35, who saved 28 games in 2013 during a three-year run with Milwaukee, will mentor pitching prospects and perhaps do some scouting down the road.

“He can be an asset as a coach, help kids around the complex,” Brewers farm director Tom Flanagan said. “He’s a sharp guy. How better to relate to a player than with his background?”

Scoreboard: Brewers 7, Dodgers (ss) 3. Record: 16-7-1. Monday: Day off. Tuesday: Brewers at Rockies, 3:10 p.m. Milwaukee RHP Junior Guerra (0-0, 2.45) vs. Colorado LHP Taylor Anderson (0-1, 7.59). Webcast: Brewers.com.

Countdown: 10 days until the Brewers season opener on March 29 in San Diego.