Crew without lefty reliever; Suter optioned

PHOENIX -- The Brewers announced Sunday that Brent Suter has been optioned to Triple-A Colorado Springs, leaving the big league club without a left-handed reliever as the 2017 regular season approaches.
It continues a trend that the Brewers place a premium on who they believe to be a better player over righty-lefty matchups. They've had a limited presence of left-handers the last two seasons, and no lefty reliever has pitched at least 30 outings since 2015, when Neal Cotts and Will Smith each did. Smith was in line to continue his role last spring, but a freak showering accident caused him to miss significant time. He was eventually dealt to the Giants at the non-waiver Trade Deadline.
Their lack of lefties is even more prevalent in their starting rotation. Not since 2011 has a Brewers southpaw started at least 25 games.
"You have to be able to get outs and you have to be able to be an effective member, and we're in a spot where we don't have that guy on our roster," Brewers manager Craig Counsell said. "I think ultimately, you'd like to have that guy on a roster, yes."
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Left-hander Tommy Milone is currently vying for a spot in the Brewers' starting rotation, and there is a chance that if he doesn't make it, he could start the season in the bullpen.
When Suter debuted on Aug. 19 last year, he became the first lefty to start a game for Milwaukee since 2013, a span of 474 games. He did so to alleviate a banged-up rotation and didn't start again until his last outing of '16. In 14 MLB appearances last year, Suter compiled a 3.32 ERA over 21 2/3 innings.

The 27-year-old southpaw is 1-0 with a 1.33 WHIP this spring with eight strikeouts in eight outings (two starts) over nine innings. Counsell wouldn't specify whether Suter would begin the year in the Minors as a starter or reliever.
"I think part of what makes him valuable is that he's been able to bounce back and forth without any adverse effects to his performance, which is very valuable for us," Counsell said. "I told this to him. Not many guys can do that. From our perspective, that's valuable, and it makes him more valuable. So he's going to continue to do that, just kind of pitching in different roles. Really, it's about getting outs instead of labeling him. It's just get outs, and I think he's done a good job of that. It's one of his strengths."
Optioning Suter leaves the Brewers with 32 players in camp, including 15 pitchers. Of those, eight are relievers, which means they may option or cut at least one more, which would trigger an additional decision on how many bench players they will carry.
Slugging first baseman Jesús Aguilar, who was claimed off Indians waivers last month, doesn't offer much defensive versatility, but he's had an impressive camp, hitting .490 with a 1.014 OPS, five homers, 13 RBIs and 14 runs scored in 49 at-bats. Utility infielder Iván De Jesús Jr., signed to Minor League deal in December primarily for his defense, has impressed with his bat as well. He's slashing .395/.481/.512 in 43 Spring Training at-bats.
Counsell remained mum on his Opening Day rotation beyond Junior Guerra and Zach Davies, in order, though he indicated that he would reveal more on the matter on Tuesday.
Last call
• Just before Sunday's loss to the A's ended, the Brewers announced they had acquired Minor League catcher Tyler Heineman from the Astros for player to be named or cash. Last year for Triple-A Fresno, Heineman hit .259/.344/.351 with three homers, 14 RBIs and 27 runs scored over 239 at-bats. He was 1-for-11 in Grapefruit League play. An eighth-round pick by Houston in 2012, Heineman has yet to crack the Majors.
• Right-hander Jimmy Nelson will throw a bullpen session during the team's off-day on Monday. Nelson is one of five Brewers pitchers vying for a spot in the club's Opening Day rotation, and he has a 5.68 ERA in 12 2/3 innings this spring.