When a team is in the midst of a rebuild, it's easier to grant struggling young players a long leash to figure things out in the majors.
That's what the Milwaukee Brewers appear to be doing with Colin Walsh and Ramon Flores, who are both struggling mightily at the plate this season.
"I don't think anybody sets specific dates on this stuff," manager Craig Counsell told reporters, including Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "You have to feel it. At some point, we have to see what they can become."
Walsh is batting .089 (4-for-45) this season but has a .317 on-base percentage thanks to 14 walks. Meanwhile, Flores is hitting .192 in 78 at-bats.
The Brewers would run the risk of losing both players if they were sent to the minors. Walsh is a Rule 5 draftee, meaning he would need to be offered back to the Oakland Athletics. As for Flores, the 24-year-old is out of options and would be exposed to waivers if a move were made.
"I will say that not every player that comes through here is going to be a slam-dunk everyday player," said Counsell. "I know that's what you're looking for, but some guys are going to evolve into role players for the future. It’s important to find that.
"We're searching for that. Right now, there are guys trying to establish themselves. We're going through those guys. There’s always going to be a search to improve the roster, no matter who is on the roster."
