Brewers Select Lyon Richardson

The Brewers selected the contract of righty Lyon Richardson ahead of tonight’s matchup against the Phillies, per a team announcement. Left-hander Colton Gordon was optioned to Double-A. Milwaukee’s 40-man roster now sits at 39 players.

Richardson spent a few days on the Reds’ roster earlier this year. He was designated for assignment in June. The righty passed through waivers and chose free agency. Richardson landed with the Brewers on a minor league deal. He went through a similar course of transactions with Milwaukee, joining the big-league roster for one appearance in August before being DFAed. He eventually re-signed with the Brewers on a minor league deal.

The 26-year-old Richardson was tagged for five earned runs in two appearances with the Reds this year. His results have been better in the Brewers’ organization, both in the minors and the majors. Richardson posted a 4.23 ERA across 22 appearances at Triple-A Nashville. He struck out more than a batter per inning, though his walk rate was a hefty 13.2%. Richardson recorded the final five outs behind starter Logan Henderson in his one outing with the Brewers.

Milwaukee could follow the same formula tonight. Henderson will get the ball for what should be his final start of the regular season. The Brewers have been cautious with their starters as they line up their rotation for the playoffs. Jacob Misiorowski tossed just three innings on Sunday. Dustin May covered two frames last night. Richardson has primarily functioned as a multi-inning reliever with the Sounds, so he’s a logical candidate to cover a couple of innings behind Henderson.

Gordon was with the club for that same purpose. He was recalled late last week. The lefty made his team debut on Tuesday, handling the final five innings after May and Kyle Harrison. Gordon held the Phillies to two earned runs. He tossed 70 pitches and was unlikely to be available until the weekend.

Milwaukee acquired Gordon in a mid-July trade with the Astros that also netted righty Lance McCullers Jr. The Brewers sent back minor league outfielder Jadyn Fielder in the deal. McCullers was released in late July, but Milwaukee got some useful innings out of Gordon. He could factor into the long relief plans in 2027.