Cooper Pratt could debut when Brewers open series vs. Guardians

The series opener between the Brewers and visiting Cleveland Guardians could gain additional significance if Milwaukee promotes highly touted shortstop Cooper Pratt before Tuesday's game, as reported.

Left-hander Robert Gasser (0-3, 6.38 ERA), searching for his first big-league victory in more than two years, gets the nod for Milwaukee, with right-hander Slade Cecconi (3-5, 4.83 ERA) starting for Cleveland.

The Brewers lead the NL Central by five games, while the Guardians are in a virtual tie with the White Sox at the top of the AL Central. Both Milwaukee and Cleveland were idle on Monday, and the Guardians' game Sunday at home against Detroit was rained out as they were trying for a sweep.

Milwaukee defeated Philadelphia 4-0 on Sunday at home to decide a three-game series. The Guardians defeated the Tigers 3-1 on Saturday, but lost star third baseman Jose Ramirez, who broke a bone in his left hand that will require surgery.

Ramirez was placed on the injured list and could miss five to seven weeks. Infielder Gabriel Arias (left hamstring strain) was activated from the 60-day injured list.

"We just have to see how it plays out," Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said Sunday. "Our lineup ebbs and flows. When you take a steady guy out like (Ramirez), it's going to be all hands on deck."

The Brewers are planning to promote Pratt from Triple-A Nashville to the big leagues prior to Tuesday's game, according to multiple reports.

Pratt, 21, signed an eight-year contract with the Brewers in April, reportedly worth $50.75 million with two club options for at least another $15 million per season. Pratt, ranked as Baseball America's No. 50 prospect entering the 2026 season and the Brewers' No. 4 prospect by MLB Pipeline, is hitting .241 with six homers and 17 stolen bases in 58 games at Nashville.

Gasser, who split time this season between the Brewers and Triple-A Nashville, has made just six MLB starts since undergoing Tommy John surgery in June 2024.

Gasser struggled in his last outing, giving up six runs on eight hits over five innings, including four homers, in a 7-5 loss to the A's at their Triple-A affiliate's stadium in Las Vegas.

"He chewed up 15 outs and we were within striking distance," Brewers manager Pat Murphy said afterward. "He's got to grow from this and understand that to pitch in the big leagues, he's got to have an ‘out' pitch. You've got to have something they can swing at and miss. He got into a little bit of a groove there in the middle. There's a lot to like."

In addition to winning the series against the Phillies, the Brewers were able to rest regulars Christian Yelich, Brice Turang, Jake Bauers and Sal Frelick in the finale.

"We need to give some guys a breather," Murphy said following Sunday's game. "They grind real hard, they play a certain way. Not having to use Bauers, Sal, Brice or Yeli, that's important to give them two days off."

Jackson Chourio extended his hitting streak to seven games, batting .457 (16-for-35) over that span with five homers and 10 RBIs.

William Contreras remained hot with two hits Sunday. He is batting .314 over his last 26 games with three homers and 17 RBIs.

Cecconi has gone 2-1 with a 3.16 ERA over his last seven starts but hasn't recorded a win since May 18. In his most recent outing, he allowed two runs on six hits in five innings but did not record a decision in a 3-2 loss to the New York Yankees.

Cecconi has never faced Milwaukee, and Gasser will make his first appearance against Cleveland.

--Field Level Media