Game Thread #97: Milwaukee Brewers (54-42) vs. Washington Nationals (44-52)

Crew looks to salvage series finale in final matchup before All-Star break

Coming off a disappointing loss on Saturday, the Brewers are staring down a sweep at the hands of the Nationals, who entered the weekend on a five-game losing streak.

To avoid the sweep, Milwaukee will need to rely on Colin Rea, who is coming off a rough start against Pittsburgh, where he went five innings and allowed seven runs on six hits and two walks with three strikeouts. Opposing him for Washington is right-hander Jake Irvin, who has turned in a solid 3.13 ERA with 96 strikeouts across 112 innings (19 starts) this season.

In transaction news, Milwaukee has designated pitcher Dallas Keuchel for assignment after another rough start Saturday. In four starts with the Crew, Keuchel had a 5.40 ERA with 11 strikeouts over 16 ²⁄₃ innings. He allowed three runs over three-plus innings on eight hits and two strikeouts on Saturday afternoon.

To replace him on the active roster, right-handed reliever Joel Kuhnel was selected from Triple-A Nashville. Kuhnel was signed to a minor league deal in early June before being selected on June 25. He was designated for assignment just a day later, on June 26, before clearing waivers and being sent back to Nashville. In seven appearances with the Sounds, he has a 2.45 ERA with 10 strikeouts across 7 ¹⁄₃ innings.

Brice Turang returns to the leadoff spot after getting the day off yesterday as he starts at second base. William Contreras returns to his usual No. 2 spot in the order, with Christian Yelich batting third as the DH. The birthday boy Joey Ortiz bats sixth as the third baseman, while Jackson Chourio, Garrett Mitchell, and Sal Frelick start in the outfield. Jake Bauers is at first base.

First pitch is at 1:10 p.m. on Bally Sports Wisconsin and the Brewers Radio Network.