Eric Farris has been called up from Triple A Nashville to replace the injured Rickie Weeks, who the Brewers are saying will miss 3-6 weeks with a “severe” ankle sprain.
It’s not the most exciting move that could be made, but it’s probably the most practical until Doug Melvin can find a trade for a more proven option. Farris was hitting .256/.308/.358 in 98 games for the Sounds this year. He’s a second baseman by trade, unlike Taylor Green, and has been tried at shortstop a few times this year — although most seem skeptical that he has the arm strength to play there consistently in the future.
By most accounts, Farris is a defensive whiz that struggles to hit for power. He doesn’t walk a whole lot — he has a career .330 minor league OBP despite a .288 average — but he does have speed. He stole 70 bases for Brevard County in 2009, but injuries have slowed him down the past couple years. He’s gone 14-for-20 in steal attempts so far this year.
Craig Counsell is in the lineup at second base for the series finale against the Cubs, and as of right now it’s unclear if Farris will be in town in time for an afternoon game. I would say that I hope Counsell doesn’t get a bulk of the playing time over Farris, but Farris’ numbers in Nashville translate into a Major League equivalent of .228/.261/.307. At least he can pick it defensively. Think of him as the Carlos Gomez of the infield.
By the way, you can follow him on Twitter at @eRoc86.
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