Rob

Wooten

Wooten appeared in 71 big league games for the Brewers from 2013 - 2015, compiling a 5.03 ERA, 1.41 WHIP and 53/22 K/BB ratio. He re-signed with the Reds on a minor league deal back in January and will remain as part of the Reds’ organization in some capacity -- though it’s unclear what that new role will be.

Wooten, 33, is back with the Reds on a minor league contract for the third straight season. He last appeared in the majors with the Brewers in 2015, and he owns a 5.03 ERA in 71 career appearances. He’s also been limited to just 14 appearances the last two years due to various injuries.

He can remain away from the team for 24 to 72 hours. The Brewers have called up Donovan Hand to take his place on the active roster.

Wooten was away for a couple days to be with his wife while she gave birth. He returns to a 0.69 ERA and 0.77 WHIP over 12 appearances this season.

A former 13th-round pick, Wooten has put up a 2.94 ERA and 45/12 K/BB ratio over 52 innings at Nashville this season. He’ll be making his major league debut when he gets into a game.

If only the Brewers had received the kind of luck with the bullpen last year that they have this year, there’s a great chance they would have been a playoff team. Wooten doesn’t project as a closer or anything going forward, but he’s had great success with his mid-80s cutter so far.

Wooten was released by Atlanta on May 3. Obviously it didn’t take long for the sides to reunite. The 30-year-old appeared in 71 games for the Brewers between 2013-2015. He’ll start out at Triple-A Gwinnett.

Wooten spent the entire 2016 season with the Triple-A affiliate of the Braves, posting a 3.58 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and 60/11 K/BB ratio in 73 innings. He could see some action out of the Cincinnati bullpen in 2017, likely as a long reliever or mop-up man.

Wooten was a potential swing reliever coming into the spring. He actually pitched quite well, posting an ERA of 1.26 and a 1.047 WHIP in 14 and 1/3 spring innings. It’s likely that he’ll be back with the big club when the Brewers need a stretch man.

The Brewers are expected to recall Brandon Kintzler from Triple-A on Friday to provide a fresh arm in the bullpen. Wooten should get another opportunity with the Brewers at some point during the season.