The Milwaukee Brewers optioned outfielder Blake Perkins to Triple-A Nashville on Thursday, finalizing their position-player group for Opening Day. This move opens a spot for outfielder Brandon Lockridge, who impressed in spring training. Manager Pat Murphy described the decision as difficult but necessary.
Phoenix -- Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy announced the optioning of outfielder Blake Perkins to Triple-A Nashville on Thursday, effectively locking in the team's 13 position players for Opening Day. Perkins, a switch-hitter who has appeared in the Majors for the Brewers over the past three seasons and was a Gold Glove Award finalist in 2024, made way for Brandon Lockridge, a right-handed hitter noted for his speed. Entering Thursday's game against the Rangers, Lockridge was tied for the team lead with four home runs in Cactus League play. The Brewers acquired Lockridge from the San Diego Padres at last year's Trade Deadline in exchange for left-hander Nestor Cortes and Minor Leaguer Jorge Quintana. Murphy praised Lockridge's performance down the stretch last season, citing his energy and approach off the bench. “Those are very difficult meetings, very difficult decisions,” Murphy said. “But ‘Perk’ is part of this thing. You have to make some decisions to keep 13 [position players].” He added, “He was acquired for a reason... Sometimes it’s a matter of pulling out and looking at the big picture and considering a lot more than your best 13. It’s not just who’s played the best. There’s even a bigger picture: What’s best for the club right now?” Alongside Perkins, the Brewers optioned first baseman/left fielder Tyler Black, the spring RBI leader, and right-hander Logan Henderson, who recovered from recent elbow soreness. Shortstop prospect Cooper Pratt, MLB Pipeline's No. 4 Brewers prospect and No. 64 overall, returned to Minor League camp. This leaves 14 healthy position players in big league camp, including an extra catcher, Reese McGuire. The listed position players are catchers William Contreras and Gary Sánchez; infielders Jake Bauers, David Hamilton, Joey Ortiz, Luis Rengifo, Brice Turang, and Andrew Vaughn; and outfielders Jackson Chourio, Sal Frelick, Lockridge, Garrett Mitchell, and Christian Yelich. Pitching staff decisions remain, with Henderson—3-0 with a 1.78 ERA in five starts last year before an elbow injury—needing more Triple-A time to build consistency.