The Milwaukee Brewers are set to receive encouraging news on rookie shortstop Cooper Pratt, who is beginning a minor league rehab assignment with the High-A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers.
The Timber Rattlers announced that Pratt is scheduled to play Tuesday night as he continues his recovery from a right hamstring strain. The assignment gives Milwaukee an opportunity to evaluate him in game action before determining when he can return to the major league roster.
Pratt was placed on the 10-day injured list Aug. 9 after suffering the hamstring injury against the Minnesota Twins. The 21-year-old had been an important part of Milwaukee's infield since his promotion from Triple-A Nashville in June.
Before the injury, Pratt was batting .272 with a .352 on-base percentage and .368 slugging percentage across 44 games. He had 37 hits, two home runs, 17 RBIs and 10 stolen bases in 136 at-bats.
His return comes at an important point for the Brewers. Milwaukee just won three of four games against the Los Angeles Dodgers on the road, strengthening its position atop the National League Central.
The Brewers enter the week with a 77-48 record and a 5-game lead over the Chicago Cubs. The successful trip to Los Angeles also secured the head-to-head tiebreaker against the Dodgers, adding another positive development to Milwaukee's postseason outlook.
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Pratt's rehab assignment now gives the Brewers a chance to see how his hamstring responds to competitive action. If Tuesday's game goes well, Milwaukee could be closer to having its rookie shortstop back in the lineup for the stretch run.
With the Brewers already leading their division and Pratt progressing toward a return, Milwaukee could soon have another key piece available as it prepares for the final weeks of the regular season.
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