Josh

Butler

Butler suffered a shoulder injury this spring and was unable to land a spot in the Brewers’ bullpen. He has been rehabbing down at extended spring training and even threw live batting practice Friday. It’s not clear if he will rejoin the big league club once fully recovered or simply head to Triple-A.

One of the organization’s more pleasant surprises in 2009, Butler went 9-3 with a 2.97 ERA in 24 games (23 starts) in four different stops, ranging from rookie ball to Triple-A. The 24-year-old right-hander was acquired from the Rays last season. Although it’s possible he could draw a start down the stretch, he is expected to contribute out of the bullpen.

Doctors believe the problem is muscular and not structural. Parra’s scheduled start on Friday will go to either RHP Josh Butler or LHP Chris Narveson. The Brewers will recall Mike Burns from Triple-A Nashville on Friday to give the club additional pitching depth. Parra, meanwhile, will continue physical therapy.

Butler, a 2006 second-round pick, was 0-2 with a 6.35 ERA and a 10/5 K/BB ratio in 17 innings for Single-A Vero Beach. He has a quality fastball-slider combination, but he’s more likely to end up in the pen than in the rotation. He’ll remain in the FSL and report to Brevard County.

Butler rocketed through the Brewers’ system last year and was certainly in the mix to make the team this year. While his injury doesn’t appear to be serious, it will likely require rest, which will put him behind the rest of the staff.

Butler had to stop throwing during a bullpen session on Friday due to continued discomfort in his right triceps muscle, so this latest development is a bit of a surprise. Butler was given a cortisone injection and will be shut down for five days. The 25-year-old right-hander allowed four runs in four innings as a September call-up last season.

The team voided his option to the minors and placed him on the disabled list. The 25-year-old right-hander hasn’t thrown in a game this spring due to inflammation in his right elbow. It isn’t known when he’ll return to action.

The Brewers wanted to clear a 40-man roster spot for any potential free agent signings or trades. Butler, 26, registered a 4.53 ERA and 1.38 WHIP over 45 2/3 innings this past season at the Triple-A level.

Butler has been throwing bullpen sessions at extended spring training and has probably been ready for activation for over a week. But the Brewers don’t really have a spot for him in their bullpen at the moment and would prefer the right-hander to build his confidence at the Double-A level.