TORONTO -- For the third time in the first eight games, the Brewers faced a left-handed starting pitcher on Monday. All three times, Eric Thames has begun the night on the bench, begging the question: Did the Brewers give Thames a three-year deal to be a platoon player?
No, manager Craig Counsell explained emphatically.
"I think I've been clear on this: We have young players, and we have to get them involved, and I think things will change as the season goes," Counsell said. "Performance will certainly be a part of it. Starting the season, I thought it was important to get Jesus Aguilar involved.