Milwaukee Brewers finally activate Shaun Marcum – MLB News
The Milwaukee Brewers on Friday, August 24, activated starter Shaun Marcum two months after he developed stiffness in his surgically repaired right elbow. He will have a start on Saturday – something he was eagerly waiting.
Coming from over a 60-day disabled list stay, Marcum admitted it was too long a stint for him. However, it is pertinent to mention that the Brewers had to take a while before making this decision.
Marcum remained tentative for weeks as he had rehabilitation starts for Class A Wisconsin. The last time he pitched was on Monday wherein he tossed a total of 71 pitches.
The Milwaukee Brewers were initially considering bringing him in after two Minor League starts, but the decision was put on hold because the club did not want to take any risk.
There might have been a lot of questions as to why the club decided to go for another rehabilitation start, but from the very outlook, it became obvious that it was to assess how prepared the starter is.
Team manager Ron Roenicke was convinced that to ask for a third rehabilitation start benefited both the pitcher and the team. His 71 pitches on Monday, if anything, substantiated that he is all ready to get on the pitching mound now.
The team manager said, "I thought it would benefit him, and when we talked to him, I think he understood that. ... It's an important time for him to pitch well. He's a free agent after the season, and I think that's a time he needs to show people he can pitch. We all know he can pitch -- I've been watching him for a team and a half. The guy can pitch. But to stay healthy and to do well so everybody else sees you, I think that's big for him."
The Milwaukee Brewers will face the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday wherein Shaun Marcum will have his first start since his long stint on the disabled list. It will be interesting to watch how he performs in a game that is of considerable importance both for the team and him this season.
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