Milwaukee Brewers Team Report

INSIDE PITCH The Brewers on Sunday finished a stretch of playing 20 games in 20 days. Over that span, they went 14-6 to boost their record from 4-8 to 18-14. During that 20-game gauntlet, the Brewers went 5-0-2 in series play. Before that stretch, they lost their first four series of the season. "That was a nice run in that stretch," said manager Ken Macha. "I'm sure a lot of the guys will enjoy a day off (Monday) and come back and get 'em Tuesday." The Brewers had a chance to sweep the archrival Cubs over the weekend at home but lost the series finale, 4-2. They had plenty of chances to win the game but went 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position. "You get spoiled a little bit," admitted second baseman Rickie Weeks. "It was just one of those days." Winning series remains the club's goal, so the players were only mildly disappointed with the Sunday loss. "You're not going to sweep every team, every time," said third baseman Bill Hall. "We're focused on winning series, and that's what we did. That's the main thing we want to do."NOTES, QUOTESThe running game has not been a priority under new manager Ken Macha. The Brewers have stolen only 10 bases, ranking them only ahead of Atlanta in the National League. The Brewers have been caught nine times attempting steals.C Mike Rivera was scheduled to play with Class AAA Nashville for three games Monday-Wednesday as the final steps in his return from a sprained left ankle. Rivera is eligible to come off the 15-day DL Thursday and the scheduled pitcher that day is RHP Dave Bush, whom Rivera caught before getting injured.LHP Mitch Stetter appeared in 16 of the Brewers' first 31 games. Stetter is the only left-hander in the Brewers' bullpen, and manager Ken Macha said he is worried about over-using him. LHP R.J. Swindle provided a second lefty in the bullpen for a week in April before being returned to Class AAA Nashville.BY THE NUMBERS: 14-6 The Brewers' record in playing 20 games in 20 days before getting an off day Monday.QUOTE TO NOTE: "What a professional. He's putting his name in the lineup." Manager Ken Macha, on the contributions he has received off the bench from INF Craig Counsell.ROSTER REPORTLF Ryan Braun has been on an extended period of strong offensive production. Over his last 18 games, Braun is batting .431 (28-for-65) with seven home runs and 23 RBI. He ranks among the league leaders with 69 total bases.1B Prince Fielder, who was swinging a hot bat on the Brewers' last road trip, drew a blank over the weekend in a three-game home series against the Cubs. Fielder went 0-for-10, dropping his average from .280 to .255.C Jason Kendall is three hits shy of 2,000 for his career. He ranks eighth all-time among players who have appeared in at least 1,000 games as a catcher.LHP Manny Parra, who starts Tuesday against the Marlins, pitched much better in his last three outings than in his first three of the season. After going 0-3 with an 8.16 ERA in his first three starts, Parra is 1-1 with a 2.12 ERA in his last three starts. MEDICAL WATCH: C Mike Rivera (sprained left ankle) went on the 15-day disabled list April 29. He is expected to begin a rehab assignment as soon as May 11, and he could be activated May 14. RHP David Riske (right elbow tightness) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 10. He will attempt to rehab the elbow through mid-May, but if he is unsuccessful, he might need Tommy John surgery. ROTATION: RHP Jeff Suppan RHP Yovani Gallardo LHP Manny Parra RHP Braden Looper RHP Dave Bush BULLPEN: RHP Trevor Hoffman (closer) RHP Todd Coffey RHP Carlos Villanueva RHP Seth McClung LHP Mitch Stetter RHP Jorge Julio RHP Mark DiFelice CATCHERS: Jason Kendall Carlos Corporan INFIELDERS: 1B Prince Fielder 2B Rickie Weeks SS J.J. Hardy 3B Bill Hall INF Craig Counsell INF Casey McGehee OUTFIELDERS: LF Ryan Braun CF Mike Cameron RF Corey Hart OF Chris Duffy OF Brad Nelson