Mat

Gamel

“Is this the time to give Mat Gamel a chance? That’s something we have to seriously consider,” said Melvin. Gamel batted .310 with 28 homers, 96 RBI and a .912 OPS for Triple-A Nashville this season. He hasn’t fared well in his previous chances at the big league level, but he’s also never been given an extended look. The 26-year-old would represent a cheap option at first base if the Brew Crew decide to spend money on upgrading the left side of their infield.

It’s his first day off of the season. Travis Ishikawa will start at first base against Aaron Harang.

Not a surprise, as Brewers general manager Doug Melvin said as much in a radio interview last month. Hart played a lot of first base in the minors, but has only started one game at the position in the majors. Mat Gamel will finally get his chance to sink or swim at first base this season, but Hart at least offers an alternative in certain situations.

Gamel sat out Tuesday’s game with shoulder soreness following a collision at home plate on Monday. X-rays came back negative, but since the Brewers have an off-day scheduled for Thursday, it makes sense to give him the extra rest. Travis Ishikawa will make the start at first base Wednesday and bat eighth against left-hander J.A. Happ.

They turned up negative, but Gamel is not in the Brewers’ lineup on Tuesday night because of general soreness related to the play. Travis Ishikawa is starting at first base and batting eighth against Houston.

Gamel has just four extra-base hits through his first 58 plate appearances, but is hitting a solid .278/.339/.407. Eligible at both first and third base, he should prove to be a mixed-league asset.

It was the 28-year-old’s second spring homer, and he is now hitting .316/.381/.684 in 19 at-bats. Presumed Opening Day first baseman Matt Gamel is also having a strong spring, batting .300 with three dingers.

Gamel will open the 2012 season as the Brewers’ starting first baseman. He’s a significant downgrade from Prince Fielder, but the 26-year-old registered a cool .310/.372/.540 batting line with 28 home runs and 96 RBI in 545 plate appearances last season at Triple-A Nashville and should hold some fantasy value in deeper mixed leagues.

Gamel sat out two games with left shoulder soreness following a home plate collision with Astros’ catcher Jason Castro on Monday. X-rays came back negative, though, and he should be fine moving forward.

Gamel blew out his knee after slamming into the right-field retaining wall while trying to track down a foul pop-up in San Diego. Though the Brewers have yet to officially rule him out for the season, it’s almost certainly a season-ending injury. Travis Ishikawa is expected to receive the bulk of the time at first base.