Ray

Black

Black cleared waivers after being designated for assignment. He’ll remain in the organization as bullpen depth.

Black dealt with a bout of elbow inflammation earlier this month, but he made it through a live batting practice session on Monday without incident. Counsell mentioned Thursday night against the Giants as a tentative day for Cactus League action. Black was only able to throw three innings last year due to a rotator cuff strain, so he’s hoping for some better luck on the injury front this year.

This comes after the usually hard-throwing Black experienced a velocity dip in his most recent appearance. He hasn’t bounced back well, so the Brewers will give him some rest. Black was limited to just three innings with the Brewers last year due to a rotator cuff strain, so injuries are getting in the way of his potential.

Black came out hitting 98 mph with his heater, but by the end of his 26-pitch outing he was topping out at 90-92 mph. Manager Craig Counsell said afterwards that Black was “fine” and had merely reached his pitch count, but it’s something to monitor going forward.

Black suffered a strained right rotator cuff in July, but he’s feeling better now and will pitch out of the bullpen down the stretch. The 30-year-old holds a 5.72 ERA with 51 strikeouts and 19 walks over 39 1/3 innings in the majors.

The move clears out a 40-man roster spot for Drew Rasmussen, who is joining the Brewers on Thursday. Black just resumed throwing last week but is a ways away from returning from his rotator cuff strain.

Brewers manager Craig Counsell cautioned, however, that the hard-throwing reliever “going to be a ways away” from joining Milwaukee’s active roster. Black is on the IL with a strained rotator cuff.

That’s great news considering Black was just placed on the injured list Tuesday with a strained right rotator cuff. It appears this will not be a season-ending setback for the hard-throwing reliever.

Black suffered the injury on Sunday and could be in danger of missing the entire 60-game 2020 regular season. The hard-throwing reliever was projected to work in a setup role for Milwaukee.

The issue forced Black out of Sunday’s game. He’s scheduled to be examined by a doctor on Monday and is in jeopardy of missing the start of the 60-game regular season.