Brewers weighing activating Lance McCullers Jr.

Gasser was thrust into action after Dustin May was struck by a line drive on the first pitch of the game and forced to exit. From there, he was stellar while pitching with a big lead from the second inning onward. The Mets briefly challenged in the fourth, but Gasser got a huge strikeout from A.J. Ewing before Francisco Lindor could come up with a chance to claw them back into this game. He found a tick more velocity on his fastball and that helped it to force seven of his 10 total swings-and-misses. We didn’t have a clear indication that he was out of the Brewers’ rotation, but more so that he and Shane Drohan were somewhat competing for the final spot as they shifted back to a five-man staff while also having fluid roles in the short term. A strong showing here may have earned Gasser another turn or two as a starter. Or, Milwaukee may have no choice depending on May’s health status.

Ouch. May was struck in the upper back near his right shoulder by a 106-mph line drive from Mets rookie A.J. Ewing on his very first pitch of the game. He was immediately replaced by lefty Robert Gasser. He’ll undergo further evaluation and likely imaging to determine whether he suffered a serious injury. There should be an update on his status after the game.

McCalvy does suggest this could simply be to line things up for the next series in Wrigley Field against the Cubs and might not be a long-term strategy. However, it does mean that Logan Henderson, Shane Drohan, and Robert Gasser will start, in that order, against the Rangers this weekend.

Murphy added that Gasser and Shane Drohan are expected to start against the Rangers this weekend. There are a bunch of variables to consider when it comes to Milwaukee’s rotation heading into the final month of the season, but it sounds like both Gasser and Drohan will get at least one more turn through before any changes are made.

Gasser was working with a 6-2 lead when the first two guys reached to start the fourth. Gasser battled back to retire the next two batters, but a passed ball allowed one run to score in the process, and Gasser was lifted with Randy Arozarena up. Chad Patrick came in and allowed the one inherited runner to score before finishing the fourth. Gasser remained 3-5, even as the Brewers improved to 9-6 in his starts. He’ll likely face the Mets next week.

Gasser gave up a pair of homers, but he struck out seven and walked just one while working into the seventh for the second time this season. He has another fairly tough matchup next week against the Braves, so though he’s pitching well of late, he’s a mediocre option in mixed leagues then.

Gasser gave up seven hits, walked two and struck out three. The 27-year-old left-hander allowed all three runs in the third inning. Gasser allowed two runners on, but got the next two batters out. Then he hit Austin Martin to load the bases, his second hit batter of the inning. Gasser proceeded to walk Ryan Jeffers before a two-run double by Royce Lewis made the score 3-0. He recovered to escape the inning and not allow another run, but was removed with two outs in the fifth inning after throwing 94 pitches. Gasser has a 4.57 ERA. He’s lined up to face the Dodgers on the road next weekend.

May might have peaked in May, but he’s still done quite well in posting a 2.92 ERA with 28 strikeouts over 24 2/3 innings in his last five starts. The Brewers don’t ask for lengthy outings from their starters, which should work in May’s favor. His fantasy value should increase a tad with the deal, though there is the risk that the Brewers will occasionally pull him with a lead in the fifth. The Brewers will have to decide whether to go to a six-man rotation for now or to have May replace Robert Gasser.

It was a solid start for Gasser, but one that doesn’t come with a win because the Brewers were (surprisingly) unable to solve Brett Suter and Brett Kerry while he was in the game. Still, it was another solid outing for Gasser; one that saw him strike out six and scatter four hits while issuing two walks. Assuming there’s no change to the rotation order — a big if considering what point of the season it is — he’ll face the Pirates on Thursday.

McCullers had been designated for assignment on Sunday. It appears that he cleared waivers and will now become a free agent. The veteran has a 6.55 ERA and 1.55 WHIP in 44 innings this season for the Astros and Brewers.