Right-hander Mark Rogers of Orrs Island, who was trying to make the Milwaukee Brewers’ starting rotation this spring, was sent down Tuesday to the team’s Triple-A camp.
According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Manager Ron Roenicke said the move wasn’t related to Rogers’ spring-training debut Monday, when he gave up a long home run. Roenicke said it had more to do with Rogers getting sufficient work in the minor-league camp.
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Rogers’ first appearance was delayed by stiffness in his right shoulder.
The other Milwaukee starters are up to five innings per outing. Rogers was bidding to become the team’s fifth starter.
Roenicke said the Brewers are getting close to the point where they need to find a temporary No. 5 starter and Rogers wouldn’t be ready to start April 6. The opening in the rotation is available because of a rib-cage injury to Zack Greinke.
Said Roenicke of Rogers’ debut in the Brew Beat Blog: “He just didn’t look like he was comfortable. He worked really slow, a little too methodical. I’m sure he’s a little cautious. He’s kind of feeling his way through, which is OK. It’s his first outing. He’s just not sure how the arm is going to react, and I guess that’s natural.”
Rogers couldn’t be reached for comment.
Since becoming the Brewers’ No. 1 pick in 2004, Rogers has had two shoulder surgeries, which cost him the 2007 and 2008 seasons.
Rogers, a graduate of Mt. Ararat High in Topsham, recovered and was called up to the Brewers late last season, then was given his first major-league start Sept. 24 against the Florida Marlins.
Limited to a 60-pitch count, Rogers pitched three innings, which included escaping a bases-loaded jam in the first inning by striking out the last two batters.
The Brewers won the game, 6-2.
“This will give Mark more time to get ready,” said his agent, Jack Toffey. “He’s on a slower path. The starting pitchers are going five innings. That leaves only four innings for the relievers. It will be easier for Mark to get his innings in the Triple-A camp.
“Mark threw the ball well Monday. He’s looking forward to the regular season and getting a spot in the rotation.”
Rogers pitched the sixth inning Monday against the San Francisco Giants.
He surrendered two runs on three hits, including a home run to Pablo Sandoval.
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