Pedro Severino signed a one-year $1.9 million with the Milwaukee Brewers this past offseason. Fan-favorite Manny Pina signed as a free agent with the Atlanta Braves, leaving the Brewers without a backup catcher. Severino was supposed to fill that role, and was off to a torrid start in Spring Training. Unfortunately, he tested positive for a banned substance and was suspended for 80 games. In addition to his suspension, Severino is ineligible to play in the postseason this year. For now, though, the Brewers have completed 80 games and Severino has been activated to join the club.
C Pedro Severino reinstated from the restricted list.
OF Tyrone Taylor placed on the 7-day concussion injured list, retroactive to July 2. pic.twitter.com/h1qL1VHeZ2
— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) July 3, 2022
Due to Severino’s ineligibility to play in the playoffs, the Brewers will likely keep Victor Caratini on the roster. Caratini was acquired via trade from the San Diego Padres after Severino’s positive test. It has worked out well for the Brewers, as Caratini is hitting .248/.375/.448 with six home runs and 14 RBI. At one this season, he tied the Brewers’ record for most consecutive games with a home run by a catcher.
What Will the Brewers Do with Three Catchers?
Omar Narvaez, an All-Star last season, is the clear-cut everyday catcher for the Milwaukee Brewers. How will the Brewers justify keeping three catchers on the roster?
Leading up to his activation, Pedro Severino was playing some first base in addition to his catching duties with the Brewers’ minor league affiliates. Additionally, Caratini appeared at first base recently in the Brewers 19-2 win over the Pirates. Caratini has 60 career appearances at first base and seven at third base. He has also appeared in left field and right field. Severino has not played any position besides catcher on the Big League level.
What about the Brewers’ Outfield?
With Tyrone Taylor heading to the concussion injured list, the Brewers are all of a sudden very thin in the outfield. Christian Yelich, of course, is in left field and Jonathan Davis has been manning center field ever since the team DFA’d Lorenzo Cain. Andrew McCutchen can play right field, but that is it for the Brewers’ traditional outfielders.
Hunter Renfroe could come off of IL today, but the Brewers will not be activating him per Adam McCalvy. His calf still needs time to heal. With this unfortunate development, it is highly possible that the Brewers use Keston Hiura in left field. There are no other outfielders on the Brewers’ 40-man roster.
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19 and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here! Also, check out our merch store for some amazing WSH merchandise!
