MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee Brewers activated second baseman Scooter Gennett from the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday, bringing the team one step closer to becoming fully healthy, as they look to rebound from a dismal 8-18 start to the season.
Gennett had been out since April 20, after slicing his hand open in a shower at PNC Park. He began a minor league rehab assignment last Friday with the team’s Class A affiliate, the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers.
“His injury was a little unique,” said new Brewers manager Craig Counsell. “It wasn’t a ‘we need to make sure he doesn’t hurt it again’ kind of injury. (The rehab assignment) was really for him to get some at-bats under his belt when he stepped into the lineup here.”
Gennett hit sixth in the Brewers lineup in his first day back with the big league club on Tuesday, going 1-for-3 with a strikeout. His return means less playing time for utility men Hector Gomez and Elian Herrera, who were splitting time at second base in Gennett’s absence.
With Gennett returning to the lineup, the Brewers are missing just one everyday position player from their Opening Day roster, with catcher Jonathan Lucroy sidelined with a broken toe, and expecting to return in a couple of weeks.
“(Gennett) was a big part of this offense last year,” said Counsell. “We need to get him playing to his capabilities.”
Gennett hit .289 for the Brewers last season, with nine home runs, 54 RBIs and a .320 on-base percentage. He spent the majority of last season platooning with then-Brewers second baseman Rickie Weeks, but has assumed everyday playing duties in 2015.
The Brewers also got good news about Lucroy, who has been out since April 21 with a broken toe.
Lucroy still isn’t ready to return but he is no longer wearing a boot and an x-ray Monday showed progress. He’s hoping to return within the shorter end of the original estimate of 4-to-6 weeks.
“There are definitely signs of healing going on,” Lucroy said. “I’m happy about it. I’m not slacking off on any of the rehab stuff, trying to stay in baseball shape.”