The Milwaukee Brewers welcomed infielder David Hamilton back from the 10-day injured list on Friday after he completed a two-game rehab assignment with Triple-A Nashville. To clear a roster spot, Milwaukee designated infielder Braden Shewmake for assignment.
Hamilton had been sidelined since early July after straining his left hamstring against the St. Louis Cardinals. The 28-year-old also dealt with soreness in his right elbow before the leg injury but was cleared to return after progressing through rehab without setbacks.
Before landing on the injured list, Hamilton appeared in 74 games, batting .240/.317/.333 with three home runs, 15 RBIs and a team-high 18 stolen bases. His versatility has also been valuable, making starts at third base, shortstop and second base this season.
Hamilton is expected to provide Milwaukee with another speed threat off the bench while backing up multiple infield positions. Since his injury, Joey Ortiz and rookie Cooper Pratt have taken on larger everyday roles, allowing manager Pat Murphy additional flexibility with Hamilton's return.
Shewmake's stay with Milwaukee lasted less than two weeks after arriving in a trade from the Houston Astros. He went 2-for-7 with one RBI and one stolen base in four games for the Brewers after batting .256 with three home runs and nine RBIs across 30 games with Houston earlier this season.
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Milwaukee entered Friday with a 64-38 record, holding a seven-game lead over the Chicago Cubs atop the National League Central. The Brewers continue to strengthen one of baseball's deepest rosters as they prepare for the final week before the trade deadline.
Hamilton's return gives Milwaukee another experienced defender and one of its top baserunners as it looks to maintain its grip on first place throughout the second half.
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