Zelous

Wheeler

Wheeler was added to the Brewers’ 40-man roster in November after batting .272/.378/.459 with nine homers, 38 RBI, seven stolen bases and an .837 OPS last season between Double- and Triple-A last. Already 25, he’s not considered a top prospect.

The move clears a spot for Friday’s starter Dana Eveland on the active roster. Wheeler, who was claimed off waivers from the Brewers in late March, was hitting .202/.288/.283 in 27 games between Double-A Bowie and Triple-A Norfolk this season.

He was designated for assignment last week but has cleared waivers and will remain in the organization. Wheeler is batting only .202/.288/.283 in 27 games between Double-A Bowie and Triple-A Norfolk this season.

Wheeler batted .272/.378/.459 with nine homers and 38 RBI over 329 at-bats between Double- and Triple-A this season. Though not much of a prospect, he does have one of the cooler names in baseball.

It’s not clear whether he’ll be invited to spring training. Wheeler batted .275/.354/.414 with 11 homers and 56 RBI between Double- and Triple-A for the Orioles this past season. He’s merely minor league depth.

Wheeler homered for the second time in his brief big league career, taking T.J. House out to left field in the fourth inning to spot the Yankees a 2-0 lead. In 19 plate appearances, Wheeler has only the two home runs along with two singles.

Beltran is currently dealing with some swelling in the back of his right knee, but he doesn’t think it will be a long-term concern. He could be available to pitch-hit. Mark Teixeira will serve as the DH on Tuesday while Zelous Wheeler plays first base and Kelly Johnson starts at third.

Wheeler was batting .299/.367/.467 with seven home runs and 31 RBI through 66 games this season at Triple-A. The 27-year-old will serve as a utility infielder for New York. He has never appeared in a major league game.

Wheeler followed Carlos Beltran’s three-run home run with a solo shot of his own, making hit a four-run fifth inning for the Yankees. He also singled and scored in the seventh. The 27-year-old rookie, who started at third base, was hitting well with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre as he posted an .834 OPS in 270 plate appearances.

The Yanks needed to clear room for the additions of Stephen Drew and Martin Prado, and Wheeler and Zoilo Almonte were the victims. Wheeler has hit .267/.267/.467 over 31 plate appearances in the majors this season.