Matt

Kinney

Kinney pitched Thursday and won’t start again until Sunday in Arizona.

Kinney, whose ERA is 8.61 after a horrendous outing Wednesday night against Cincinnati, is scheduled to face the Reds again Tuesday night. He’s not an option in any format.

Kinney is 0-2 with an 8.61 ERA and .337 opponents’ batting average after five starts. No permanent replacement has been named, but Victor Santos will make a spot start in Kinney’s place Tuesday. Wes Obermueller is also on the verge of losing his job when Chris Capuano returns.

That is all that is known about the Milwaukee rotation this weekend. ''We’ll let you know something tomorrow,’' manager Ned Yost said. It’d be fun to think Yost has a secret ace up his sleeve, but he’s probably just buying time. Look for Matt Ford Saturday, followed by a callup to replace Ruben Quevedo on Sunday.

He wasn’t very good in his fill in start for Capuano and will likely not return to the rotation anytime soon as Victor Santos has been excellent in a starting role. The Brewers demoted outfielder Corey Hart to Triple-A Indianapolis after last night’s game to make room on the roster for Capuano.

If Kinney, who was designated for assignment this past Friday is not dealt, he will likely clear waivers and report to Triple-A Indianapolis.

Kinney’s ERA has been steadily climbing for the last two months. He still has some value in NL-only leagues, but don’t expect him to return to where he was earlier this year.

Kinney is one of the candidates to become Milwaukee’s fifth starter. He’s out of options, so if he doesn’t win a rotation spot, he could make the team as a middle reliever.

Kinney hadn’t pitched since leaving Tuesday’s game with cramps in his right calf.

Kinney held the Cardinals scoreless his first two times through the lineup, but they started getting to him in the fifth inning. Still, considering the opponent, the Brewers probably won’t be discouraged with him.