Brewers designate OF Billy McKinney, option IN/OF Pablo Reyes

The Brewers designated outfielder Billy McKinney for assignment and optioned infielder/outfielder Pablo Reyes to Triple-A.  The moves created roster space for Willy Adames and Trevor Richards, both acquired in Friday’s trade with the Rays.  Righty Alec Bettinger was also called up from Triple-A.

McKinney was initially seen a possible DFA candidate during spring training since he is out of options and the Brewers ostensibly had a crowded outfield, but several injuries resulted in McKinney receiving quite a bit of playing time.  McKinney appeared in 40 games and hit .207/.260/.359 over 100 plate appearances, mostly working as a left fielder but also seeing action in nine games as a first baseman.

Once a top-100 prospect, McKinney is still just 26, and he has played for five different organizations.  Considering his value as a bench player, it’s quite possible another team plucks him off the DFA wire.  Milwaukee manager Craig Counsell said as much to reporters, including MLB.com’s Adam McCalvy, noting that “Billy did a nice job for us, and he’s probably going to be tough to keep moving forward here.  He’s got a good chance to get claimed [off waivers] probably.“