For a while now, we have known that the Milwaukee Brewers had a few tough roster decisions looming. Reports are now indicating that Travis Shaw is currently in the waiver process.
This means that rather than activating Shaw to the 26 man roster, he was removed from the 40 man roster and was designated for assignment. If he clears the waiver process he could be outrighted to a minor league affiliate with the Brewers, likely Triple-A. He also could decline and elect to play elsewhere/enter free agency.
Travis Shaw is in waiver process, have heard as @pgammo mentioned yesterday. He had some big hits early in the season even though overall numbers not great. Brewers now have Escobar, others. A .900 OPS in 41 PAs while on rehab assignment in Triple A after shoulder injury.
— Will Sammon (@WillSammon) August 14, 2021
Sure, Travis Shaw’s .191/.279/.337 line is ugly, but nlw that he’s on outright waivers, he seems likely to find a change of scenery
— Peter Gammons (@pgammo) August 13, 2021
From a statistical standpoint, the writing was on the wall for Travis Shaw. Entering the 2021 season, Shaw earned the everyday third base job with his exceptional play during spring training. He then got off to a great start to the season, but prior to his shoulder injury had been in a major slump at the plate.
Despite a good rehab stint, it appears right now that the Brewers feel more comfortable with the guys on their current roster.
The Brewers have brought in other corner infield options such as Rowdy Tellez and Eduardo Escobar. They have been playing exceptionally well. Additionally, Luis Urias has been very productive at the plate this season. All of this makes it very hard for Shaw to fit in.
In all reality, the decision to not activate Shaw will be the hardest on fans. Shaw was a valuable piece to the 2018 team that fell one game short of the world series. It is rather unfortunate that he has not been able to recreate that success with the Brewers this year.
It will be interesting to see what happens with Shaw over the next few days. Will another team be interested in him or will he elect to remain in the Brewers organization?
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