Brewers spring training news: Shortstop position battle, status of non-roster invitees, and more

Now in the last full week of spring training, there are still plenty of questions being asked and answered about the Brewers’ roster. Let’s take a look at some of those conversations.

Milwaukee’s shortstop position battle

Per Adam McCalvy, the Brewers’ middle infield setup is officially settled: Pat Murphy has decided to go with Joey Ortiz at shortstop and Brice Turang at second base.

At the beginning of spring training, that seemed to be Murphy’s preference, but over the last week-plus, he’s rolled out different alignments that featured Turang at shortstop and Ortiz at second. Unfortunately, Turang’s should soreness over the weekend pushed him out of contention for the spot, at least for Opening Day. Instead, it’ll be Ortiz taking the spot of Willy Adames with the Platinum Glove-winning Turang remaining at second.

Status of Veteran Non-Roster Invitees

In another update from McCalvy, Brewers’ staff have met about roster status of several non-roster invitees, including veterans Jake Bauers, Mark Canha, and Manuel Margot. With Milwaukee likely only having a few spots (at most) left on the 26-man roster for position players, it seems one or two of those veterans will likely be released or given the option to head to Triple-A Nashville. Per McCalvy, players are expected to be advised of the plan by this Friday.

Brewers Pitching Staff Takes Another Hit

After the injury to Tobias Myers’ oblique was officially declared to keep him out to begin the season yesterday, McCalvy announced reliever Nick Mears will also begin the year on the IL after being set back with an illness.

Mears’ IL stint is just another blow to Milwaukee’s pitching staff, which is now missing Aaron Ashby, Myers, DL Hall, Brandon Woodruff, Thomas Pannone, J.B. Bukauskas, Robert Gasser, and Mears to begin the season.