PITTSBURGH -- When the Milwaukee Brewers wrapped up a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNK Park on Tuesday, it had been two weeks since player Brian Anderson had last seen the Diamonds in action.
Anderson last appeared in a game on August 22. Previously, he last appeared on August 16.
To be clear, Anderson is fine. He is in the team and is in the team. Participation in team training.
He is not just playing.
"I haven't played as well as I came into the team," Anderson said. "At the same time, I didn't think I would last weeks without a racket. I can't control many things. I just want to be here for the players, I want to be positive. I want to do what I can control and stay in good shape." .
Anderson returned from a 10-day stint on the injured list on Aug. 2 with a lower back strain. During that time, his OPS was .691, largely thanks to a strong start to the season. As of June 1, he was transferred to Illinois right after the All-Star break, although Anderson's OPS was just .568.
He currently has a .675 OPS on the season with nine at-bats in 93 games.
"I think it was one of those times where I started out with a fever, got a cold, and then I didn't have a chance to warm up again," Anderson said. “I think so. You will have a month where you don't feel so good. You will have a month when you burn. And then that middle month when you make those beats.
“I only have 300 views. I felt like I was hitting 500, 550. 250 shots, anything can happen. Right now my OPS is .600 but I can get a good 50 in at bats and hit .750.
It's unlikely Anderson will hit those 50 strikeouts right away.
Manager Craig Counsell took Anderson aside for a talk after the team's series against the Rockies in early August so he wouldn't get much playing time at third base. Instead, playing time will go to Andrew Monasterio, who has started all but one game since August 11.
"I've spoken to BA and we're at the stage of the season where for the most part we're going to play here with the players that give us the best chance," Consil said last week. “And that means BA doesn't have to play much at the moment. This is the way. He knows it could happen at any moment and he could go back there. You have to be prepared, and that's part of being a professional."
After returning from Illinois, Anderson started four times and played 20 times. He had three hits, eight walks and a .441 OPS over that span.
"It's tough," Anderson said. “I went to the All-Star break and then came back and got hurt on the first day. Then I go back after that and play like a game before they tell me I'm not going to play."
“I think I take it like everyone else. Of course, it is difficult when I participate in competitions. I want to be there. But at the same time, there are many things that I cannot control. I'm here and ready if they ask if I want to use it. That's all I can do. "Do it."
There was a hint of desperation in Anderson's voice when he talked about his role. But most of all, he said over and over that he's doing his best to stay ready and stay positive.
"I don't want to be someone negative or hateful or anything like that here," he said. "All I can do is keep working, try to get this opportunity, try to enjoy it and enjoy it."
It certainly seemed indicative of where Anderson is now in the lineup when he blew a 7-0 lead in the eighth inning on Tuesday, and the Brewers didn't kill him for Monasterio or put him on as a defensive replacement, but they did get Rudy Tellez. . Penalty on the ninth bench.
"Winning games is the priority," Council said later. "This is the first. Andrei plays well. Brian, I've talked to Brian a few times and I think he's done a good job trying to stay fit, and it's not easy. But the priority will always be to just finish the game. victory That won't change.'