Andrew Vaughn is back at full strength for the Milwaukee Brewers after an illness caused him to lose 10 pounds with the National League Division Series approaching.
Vaughn dealt with a stomach bug late in the regular season and last played on Sept. 19. The Brewers placed the first baseman on the 10-day injured list Sept. 25, retroactive to Sept. 22, but he was cleared for a full team workout Tuesday.
The timing gives Milwaukee another healthy option as it prepares for its NLDS opener Saturday at American Family Field. The Brewers finished the regular season 103-59, the best record in baseball and a franchise record.
Vaughn put together an efficient season after joining Milwaukee, batting .306 with a .390 on-base percentage, six home runs and 43 RBIs in 104 games. He also posted an .834 OPS and could provide another option against left-handed pitching during the postseason.
The Brewers have several days to get their roster in order because of their first-round bye. MLB’s transaction log confirms Vaughn was placed on the IL because of an illness, making him eligible to return before the NLDS begins.
While Vaughn is back, Milwaukee still has some concern surrounding Joey Ortiz. The infielder underwent an MRI after hurting his right knee and has also dealt with oblique and groin issues. The MRI did not reveal structural damage, but manager Pat Murphy limited Ortiz’s participation in Tuesday’s workout.
Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images
Ortiz said he expects to be ready for Game 1, but Milwaukee is taking a cautious approach with one of its key infielders. He hit .270 with nine home runs and 47 RBIs across 134 games during the regular season.
The Brewers will host Game 1 of the NLDS on Oct. 3 against either the Chicago Cubs or San Diego Padres. With Vaughn now back in full workouts and Ortiz still being monitored, Milwaukee has several days to finalize its roster before opening the next round of the postseason.
