Brewers activate Saito, option Dillard

MINNEAPOLIS -- The decisions was mulled for a few days and delayed a bit, but the Brewers made room for reliever Takashi Saito's return Saturday by optioning reliever Tim Dillard to Triple-A Nashville. Brewers manager Ron Roenicke said Thursday a position player would likely be moved with Saito healthy following hamstring and oblique injuries. He softened that stance on Friday and the team made the move on Saturday. In 15 appearances for the Brewers this season, Dillard was 1-2 with a 5.00 ERA and 17 strikeouts over 18 total innings. He was called up May 14 following a triceps injury to Brandon Kintzler. His stay in the majors looked like it could be short, but he did enough to impress Roenicke. Over his last five innings, however, Dillard allowed five runs and two home runs. Saito returns after nearly three months away from the majors. His hamstring rehab was set back by an oblique strain, and upper back tightness further slowed him later. Prior to going on the disabled list, Saito appeared in just two games. Roenicke said Friday that Saito would be eased into the bullpen rotation and could take on a key role in the sixth or seventh inning.