Outfielder Carroll ready for backup role with Brewers

He was called up to the big leagues under unfortunate circumstances and he won't get to play every day as he did in Triple-A, but Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Brett Carroll plans to take advantage of his chance with a team fighting for a spot in the playoffs. The Brewers promoted Carroll on Thursday after center fielder Carlos Gomez broke his collarbone the previous night. With Gomez possibly out for the remainder of the season, Carroll will get the start against left-handed pitchers that Gomez had been getting after Nyjer Morgan became the primary center fielder. That role will certainly mean less playing time than he had in Triple-A Nashville, where he was hitting .281 with 51 RBI and 15 home runs, but Carroll is simply happy to contribute in whatever way the Brewers ask. "You just want to help out any way you can and not screw things up," Carroll said, laughing, in an interview with FOX Sports Wisconsin's Telly Hughes. "But in all honesty, it's fun. That's what you play the game for -- you play to win and you want to play at a championship level." When it comes to playing on an on-and-off basis, Carroll has experience. He got comfortable with the role in his previous major league service time. "I'm real comfortable as far as just up to the challenge wise," Carroll said. "I had that role in Florida in 2009 for the majority of that season. It was a role that I was able to thankfully embrace because it allowed me to prepare and kind of have a mindset of when I could be expecting to play." In 173 games from 2007 to 2010, Carroll batted .205 with 28 RBI and five home runs. The Brewers did not bring him up for offensive purposes though, as they felt his speed and defensive abilities were the best fit to replace Gomez for now. Carroll, who the Brewers acquired from the Kansas City Royals during Spring Training, said he felt terrible for Gomez, whose defense had become redemption for struggles at the plate. Still, Carroll feels ready to contribute in a similar way and said his time in the minors got him ready for the call up. "In Triple-A this year it was just a good opportunity for me at that point in my career to be playing every day and get a good number of at-bats," Carroll said. "So when a time arises like this, you feel more prepared." Carroll made his Brewers debut on Sunday with San Francisco Giants left-hander Madison Bumgarner on the mound. He made a diving catch in the second inning, displaying quickly that he can provide the defense the Brewers were looking for when bringing him up. The Brewers think Gomez could return this season depending on the results of his Monday surgery, and general manager Doug Melvin has said he may seek outfield help on the trade market. Even if Carroll's stay with the Brewers is short-lived, the 28-year-old is just thrilled to be wearing a major league uniform once again. "It's great, it's exciting," Carroll said. "I'm just thankful to be here with a new organization that is winning and is exciting to be a part of. I'm looking to just fit in and blend in."