The Milwaukee Brewers have burst on to the scene in 2014, surprising the entire league en route to a league-leading 18-7 record. That record is due in large part to a 9-1 clip on the road, but that record could be about to change. The Brewers head to St. Louis and Cincinnati over their next seven games, two teams that were believed to be contending for the division heading into the season.
Milwaukee could also be a bit short-handed in the coming series due to pending suspensions and the injury bug. Carlos Gomez has not heard back on his appeal of a three-game suspension, but his speed on the base-paths and defense in center field will surely be missed if it holds up.
In what only can be described as a freak accident, Jean Segura needed stitches after being hit in the side of his face by Ryan Braun's bat as Braun loosened at the top of the dugout on Saturday. Segura is listed as day to day, and figures to miss at least a game or two until the swelling in his face goes down. Braun told the team's official website he was remorseful about the incident.
"You never want to see something like that, you know?" Braun said. "It breaks your heart a little bit, and obviously it's never something that's done intentionally.
Manager Ron Roenicke also bemoaned the loss of Segura after Saturday's game.
"It's always hard when you see one of your regulars go down like that," Roenicke said. "It bugged me all game. It's just one of those things you hope you can prevent."
Braun also left Saturday night's game with an intercostal strain and is listed as day to day as well. The Brewers' slugger had just recently battled through a thumb injury, and was leading the team in homers. Milwaukee will be very short-handed in the outfield if Braun and Logan Schafer miss extended time or Gomez's suspension is upheld.
The Brewers reached the point they have this season with solid production from role players and keeping their stars healthy and out of trouble. In the coming road series, it will be critical for other players to step up to maintain the team's 4.5 game lead over the division.
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