Crew claims righty Brooks off waivers

SAN FRANCISCO -- The Brewers claimed right-hander Aaron Brooks off waivers from the Cubs Wednesday morning, adding a starter to their organization who's hurled 138 Minor League innings this season.
Chicago designed Brooks for assignment over the weekend to make space for catcher René Rivera, who was claimed off waviers from the Mets on Sunday.
Milwaukee also designated righty Paolo Espino, who was at Triple-A Colorado Springs. Espino made his Major League debut earlier this season for the Brewers, but he allowed 12 earned runs in 17 2/3 innings.
Brooks, who employs a five-pitch mix, will begin as a starter at Colorado Springs. He's pitched 58 innings in the Majors with Kansas City and Oakland, and he overcame a hip injury in 2016.
"He's been able to pile up innings in the Minor Leagues," Brewers general manager David Stearns said. "Having the opportunity to bring him to the organization, we thought, was a plus."
Though Brooks' Minor League numbers this season aren't too impressive (8-9, 6.20 ERA), the Brewers feel that he might not be far away from finding his touch again.
"He's given up more hits this year than he has in the past," Stearns said. "But we don't really see a meaningful difference in stuff. We were willing to make the claim and add him to the organization."
Worth noting
• Stearns said the team has begun to consider candidates for callups when Major League rosters expand on Sept. 1.
"I think whoever we think can help us win games here is going to be here," Stearns said. "We're not going to cap the number. We're going to look at guys who potentially have specific roles on the team and can help us win in September."
• Brewers reliever Brent Suter (left rotator cuff strain) threw a bullpen session Wednesday at AT&T Park. Manager Craig Counsell said he hopes Suter can return to a normal schedule soon.
"He's at the point where he just needed to rest to get some soreness out of there," Counsell said. "I don't feel like we're starting over with him."
• Counsell said Jett Bandy (left rib fracture) took swings in the cage this week in San Francisco.