Brewers Lose 3rd Starting Pitcher to Injured List

The Milwaukee Brewers starting rotation is once again severely handicapped, as the ranks of the injured has grown to three starters now, with left-hander Eric Lauer joining the list. 

Lauer has been placed on the 15-day IL with left elbow inflammation. It was made retroactive to Sept. 8th, making him eligible to return on the 23rd. An MRI showed that the elbow is structurally fine, according to team doctors, and they hope he'll be able to return when he's eligible.

Manager Craig Counsell says he's planning on a start for Lauer right after he comes off the IL.

The move comes just a day after fellow rotation mate Freddy Peralta went back on the injured list with a shoulder strain for the second time this season. He missed over two months with the problem earlier in the year. 

As for Lauer, he was having a very nice season for the Brew Crew, sporting a 3.54 ERA until he blew up in his last start (obviously due to the elbow issue).

He surrendered seven earned runs in 2.2 innings on Wednesday, ballooning his season ERA to 3.91. He also owns a 138:52 K/BB ratio.

The Brewers have called up right-hander Trevor Kelley from Triple-A to take Lauer's spot on the staff.

Photos: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports, Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports