Walsh’s Future Hinges On His Versatility
MILWAUKEE—Versatility is the best chance Colin Walsh has at sticking with the Brewers.
Though considered primarily a second baseman when the Brewers selected him in the Rule 5 draft from the Athletics, Walsh is not a stranger to third base and left field. Thus, it was not a complete shock when the 26-year-old made his major league debut on Opening Day in left field.
“That wasn’t expected,” big league manager Craig Counsell said of using Walsh to replace Ryan Braun in a double-switch. “I don’t think it’s something we anticipate a lot, but he has played left field as a professional. I anticipate it in situations like that. We had used both (extra) outfielders already.”
During six years in the minors, Walsh played in 341 games at second base, 85 in left field and 63 at third base. The Cardinals selected him in the 13th round of the 2010 draft out of Stanford, and the A’s signed him in April 2014 following his release by St. Louis.
“I played all three positions in the minors but mostly second base last year (at Double-A Midland),” Walsh said. “It has been a while since I played left or third a lot. So, I’m just trying to get comfortable there again.
“I think one of the reasons I got picked by a National League team is because, if you’re going to come off the bench, you have to be able to play multiple positions. Hopefully, I will do well and get some more playing time.”
Walsh’s parents came in from San Diego and his brother from Washington, D.C., to see him play his first game in the majors. He struck the ball hard in his only at-bat but lined out to short.
The switch-hitting Walsh led the Texas League with a .447 on-base percentage last season.
The Brewers kept their other Rule 5 pick, righthander Zack Jones, but not in the way they envisioned. Jones developed shoulder issues early in spring training and opened the year on the 15-day disabled list.
MICROBREWS
• Righthander Ariel Pena, who grabbed the last spot in the big league bullpen at the end of spring training, was designated for assignment after only one game, during which he allowed three consecutive home runs to the Giants. He became expendable when the Brewers purchased lefthander Sam Freeman from the Rangers.
• The Brewers gave outfielder Alex Presley, the final position player cut at the end of spring camp, 48 hours to look for another big league job. When he didn’t find one, he accepted an assignment to Triple-A Colorado Springs.
Comments are closed.