Blake

Perkins

This would be a problem for any baseball player, but it’s particularly troubling for someone who relies on his wheels as much as Perkins does. The outfielder is eligible to come off the 60-day injured list at the end of May, but it doesn’t sound like that’s going to happen. He’ll be a fourth outfielder whenever he returns to the Brew Crew.

The procedural move opens up a spot on Milwaukee’s 40-man roster for outfielder Daz Cameron. Perkins is expected to be sidelined until at least late May recovering from a fractured right shin.

A May return appears most likely for Perkins, though it’s possible he could beat that timetable. He’ll start in the outfield against lefties once he returns. Until then, Garrett Mitchell should get a chance to show he can be a full-time player.

Perkins suffered a fractured right shin last month and is expected to be sidelined until at least early May. It’s an encouraging sign that he’s been cleared to resume some light activity, but he’s still at least a few weeks off from getting back into game action.

Brewers manager Pat Murphy told reporters Saturday that Perkins will likely be out until at least early May, barring any setbacks. The 28-year-old reserve outfielder suffered the injury, which will keep him shut down fully for at least a few weeks to heal completely, earlier this week when he fouled a ball off his right shin during a live batting practice session. His absence creates a lane for veteran Manuel Margot to potentially make the season-opening roster in a reserve role.

With the Brewers already locked into a playoff spot and all but assured to be the third-seed, it wouldn’t be a surprise for them to give their starters some days off over the final days of the season. Garrett Mitchell will move to right field on Thursday with Blake Perkins entering the starting lineup in center field and batting sixth.

Perkins has stolen 22 bases on the year. The two hits are a welcome site after he had just three hits in September of his 39 at-bats. The real-life value Perkins provides with his defense and speed is considerable. The fantasy value is limited to essentially the one category.

Perkins spent the minimum amount of time on the IL with a calf injury and will now return to a role as a bench outfielder in Milwaukee. He has a .257/.330/.363 slash line with six long balls, 34 RBI, and 17 stolen bases over 318 plate appearances with the Brewers this season. Tyler Black was sent down to make room on the active roster.

This is the third time the 24-year-old has been sent to the minors this season. He had started the last two games but had hit just 2-for-15 in six games during this stint with the Brewers. His speed is a clear asset but it’s becoming tough to feel confident that he’ll hit enough to stick at the MLB level. Blake Perkins will take his spot on the active roster.

There’s growing optimism that Perkins could be able to return from the injured list as soon as he’s eligible to do so. The 27-year-old outfielder has hit .257/.330/.363 with six long balls, 34 RBI and 17 stolen bases over 318 plate appearances with the Brewers this season.