In a series of roster moves announced on July 13, 2025, the Milwaukee Brewers have optioned right-handed relief pitcher Easton McGee to Triple-A Nashville and designated outfielder Drew Avans for assignment. Additionally, outfielder Blake Perkins has been returned from his minor league rehab assignment and optioned to Triple-A Nashville.
Easton McGee's Option to Triple-A Nashville
Easton McGee has been optioned to Triple-A Nashville. McGee pitched for the Brewers on Sunday, contributing one inning, allowing one hit, and striking out two batters. This season, he has a 3.00 ERA in four games for Milwaukee and a 4-0 record with a 4.55 ERA in 20 games with the Nashville Sounds. McGee had been recalled by the Brewers on July 1. In three appearances out of Milwaukee's bullpen since his promotion, McGee tossed three innings of one-run ball, allowing two hits and two walks, while punching out three batters. Over five outings with the Brewers this season, McGee has produced a 2.57 ERA and 1.14 WHIP with seven strikeouts over five innings.
Drew Avans Designated for Assignment
Drew Avans has been designated for assignment, opening up a 40-man roster spot. The Brewers had claimed Avans off waivers from the Athletics a little over a month ago. Avans made his Major League debut with the Athletics this season, playing in seven games. He has spent most of his time in the Brewers organization with the Nashville Sounds, except for one appearance on Milwaukee's active roster on June 15. In one game with the Brewers, he went 0-2 with an RBI. Avans has two singles and a .229 OPS over 18 plate appearances at the big league level. In 22 games with the Nashville Sounds, Avans hit .273/.373/.409 with two home runs, 12 RBI, and 12 stolen bases.
Before joining the Athletics, the 29-year-old Avans played exclusively in the Los Angeles Dodgers farm system after being drafted in the 33rd round of the 2018 draft. He has a .275/.374/.408 slash line, 37 home runs, and 145 stolen bases over 2328 career plate appearances at the Triple-A level. Avans' speed, hitting ability, and versatility to play all three outfield positions could lead to another team claiming him. If he clears waivers, the Brewers could either release him or outright him off the 40-man roster to Triple-A Nashville, as he is not eligible to elect free agency.
Blake Perkins Optioned to Triple-A Nashville
Blake Perkins has been reinstated from the 60-day injured list and optioned to Triple-A Nashville. Perkins was returned from his minor league rehab assignment. Perkins has not yet made his season debut due to a fractured shin sustained during Spring Training. He began a rehab assignment earlier in July but was sidelined again due to a minor groin injury. Perkins will remain with Nashville after completing his minor-league rehab assignment at the Triple-A level, where he batted .192 with a home run, two RBI, six runs scored, and two stolen bases over 26 at-bats in eight games.
Perkins fouled a ball off himself during a Spring Training batting practice session in February, resulting in a shin fracture that has kept him out for the entire 2025 season. He started his minor league rehab assignment on June 14 but was set back by a minor groin injury in early July. Since his 30-day rehab window was up, Milwaukee had to make a decision on his status, and optioning Perkins to Triple-A allows him to keep playing throughout the All-Star break.
With Sal Frelick leaving Sunday's game early due to hamstring soreness, Perkins could be called up to the major league roster if Frelick is forced to miss any games. Frelick has emerged as Milwaukee's everyday right fielder this season, hitting .294/.354/.404 with seven homers and 17 steals over 385 plate appearances, while also providing excellent defense.
