MILWAUKEE, Wis. – Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Cooper Pratt is poised to make his major league debut June 16 against the Cleveland Guardians.
The 21-year-old will wear number 12 and will bat eighth between centerfielder Garrett Mitchell and third baseman David Hamilton.
Pratt’s call-up journey began during an emotional weekend in which he was removed from Sunday’s game playing for Triple-A affiliate Nashville before receiving high-fives and hugs from the dugout. Two days later, the Pratt family delegation is expected to be large for Tuesday’s contest at American Family Field.
“It keeps getting bigger, my dad texts me ‘Oh now he’s coming now’,” Pratt told reporters before the game. His father Russell and mom Heidi were on the field during batting practice for photos ahead of the big night, along with brothers Quincy, Jett, and Ozzie.
In a corresponding move, the Brewers officially designated infielder Luis Rengifo for assignment. While Rengifo signed a one-year, $3.5 million deal with the team in February, his production struggled in 209 plate appearances batting .205 with 38 hits and no home runs. Defensively, Rengifo committed five errors at third in 52 games played at the position.
Manager Pat Murphy says Hamilton and normal shortstop Joey Ortiz will be playing more often now at third base with Pratt expected to be a regular in the lineup.
“The pieces fit easily,” said Murphy June 16.
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