Yoho optioned to Nashville; Elvin Rodriguez recalled

In other news, DL Hall among injured pitchers to begin rehab this month

Just a few hours before tonight’s game against the Chicago Cubs, the Brewers announced a flurry of roster moves.

Craig Yoho, called up just two weeks ago, is being sent back down to Triple-A Nashville. Yoho gave up just one earned run in his first four appearances as a major leaguer. He looked to be settling in nicely, although he allowed a hit in all but one of his appearances. However, his last appearance didn’t go nearly as smoothly, giving up five earned runs and walking four in a single inning against the White Sox, who currently have the worst record in the AL.

Taking his place in Milwaukee will be righty Elvin Rodriguez. Rodriguez has mostly looked overmatched as a Brewer, pitching to the tune of a 7.53 ERA (1.395 WHIP) in four appearances this year. He showed some promise in his last appearance (in a blowout loss vs. Detroit on April 14), going five innings while striking out seven and giving up just one earned run.

Milwaukee is now coming off back-to-back losses in which they’ve been outscored 18-0, taxing the bullpen more than usual. Rodriguez isn’t nearly the caliber of prospect Yoho is, but he can at least eat some innings if needed and gives manager Pat Murphy a fresh arm in the bullpen.

Alternatively, this could be seen as a move to protect Yoho’s confidence. The Brewers believe in Yoho, who currently ranks as Milwaukee’s No. 18 prospect and has been borderline unhittable in the minors. The Cubs, who scored nine runs in the first two innings last night, lead the league in runs scored so far this season. Giving Yoho a couple of weeks to continue dominating the minors, instead of putting him back out there against the Cubs, seems like a prudent decision in terms of his development.

In an unrelated move, the Brewers announced that lefty DL Hall will be assigned to the Rookie ACL Brewers to begin his rehab stint. Hall, part of the return for pitcher Corbin Burnes, hasn’t pitched this season after suffering a lat strain during a bullpen session in late January. He was eventually moved to the 60-day IL on March 5, making him eligible to return sometime in late May. Hall threw two innings with the ACL Brewers today (0 ER, 2 BB, 3 K).

Finally, a few injury updates, all per Adam McCalvy:

Brandon Woodruff will make his next rehab start on Tuesday with Triple-A Nashville. The plan is for Woodruff to make two more starts (Tuesday, then one more time on May 11) before being activated.

Aaron Civale threw live BP today and is scheduled to begin his rehab on Wednesday, along with Nashville.

Nestor Cortes should return sometime around the All-Star break.

Aaron Ashby has thrown live with Arizona, but his timeline is still TBD.

Connor Thomas threw 25 pitches off the mound today. His rehab assignment is scheduled to begin on May 21.