Changes are coming to the first place Milwaukee Brewers.
The Brewers are designating third baseman Luis Rengifo for assignment amid the call-up of top prospect infielder Cooper Pratt, sources tell Athlon Sports.
Infielders' Rengifo (.534 OPS), Joey Ortiz (.561 OPS) and David Hamilton (.636 OPS) have all had brutal seasons offensively. As a result, the Brewers are calling up Pratt to take Rengifo's spot on the roster.
MLB.com's Adam McCalvy was the first to report on Pratt's call-up to the major leagues.
The writing appeared to be on the wall for Rengifo who had recently lost playing time due to his season-long slump. In 57 games, the veteran switch-hitter slashed .205/.280/.254 with no homers and 19 RBI. This is not the type of production you'd hope for from a starting third baseman in Major League Baseball.
Rengifo, 29, signed a one-year, $3.5 million deal with the Brewers in the offseason that included a $10 million mutual option for 2027.
Pratt, who the Brewers signed to an eight-year, $50.75 million contract extension earlier in the season, will now slide in at either shortstop or third base. Ortiz or Hamilton will likely play whichever spot on the left side of the infield that Pratt doesn't man.
Pratt, in 58 games with the Triple-A Nashville Sounds this season, slashed .241/.349/.386 with a .735 OPS, six home runs, 32 RBI and 17 stolen bases. He is currently ranked as the Brewers' No. 4 prospect in their farm system and a top-100 prospect in all of baseball.
The Brewers will be hoping that Pratt can come up to the majors and provide some thump in their infield. As for Rengifo, the Brewers can either trade him or outright him if he clears waivers. That being said, Rengifo can reject a minor league assignment and elect free agency if he isn't traded or released.
Milwaukee enters play Tuesday with a 43-26 record and a 4.5-game lead in the National League Central division.
