Brewers DFA Opening Day starter Chacin

The Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday designated Opening Day starter Jhoulys Chacin for assignment, making room on the 40-man roster for utility player Cory Spangenberg.

Chacin, a 31-year-old right-hander, strained his right lat while batting in a game against the Cincinnati Reds on July 24, and the next day was put on the injured list.

"We looked at where we're headed for September," president of baseball operations David Stearns said. "We talked to Jhoulys, we talked to his agent and evaluated where he was from a physical standpoint."

Chacin had not been expected to return to the Brewers' active roster until mid-September.

Chacin won his Opening Day start against the St. Louis Cardinals on March 28, allowing three runs on three hits in 5 1/3 innings, but struggled on the mound when he wasn't bothered by injuries. He compiled a 3-10 record with a 5.79 ERA in 19 starts this season, with 80 strikeouts and 39 walks over 88 2/3 innings.

His most recent win this season was on April 30, when he allowed only two hits over six shutout innings to beat the Colorado Rockies.

Stearns offered what the loss of Chacin, 77-85 with a 4.00 ERA in 249 appearances (221 starts) during an 11-year big league career, means to the franchise.

"This a guy who's started some of the most important games in the history of this franchise," Stearns said. "He's been a major contributor here and we're appreciative of it.

"When we talked to him last night -- and, frankly, throughout this process -- he's expressed appreciation for the opportunity he got here. He's been a tremendous professional and he's going to land on his feet."

In another Brewers move, outfielder Ben Gamel was optioned to Triple-A San Antonio.

--Field Level Media