Brewers backup catchers to have expanded role

[February 25, 2011]  PHOENIX (AP) -- Jonathan Lucroy was thrilled he'd get extended time with the pitching staff after coming in as the Brewers' top catcher this offseason.

Now, the second-year pro's first spring training in the majors as a starter is off to a rocky start.

Lucroy had surgery on Thursday to put a pin in his broken right pinkie finger and will miss about four weeks.

The 24-year-old is expected to be able to catch and do fielding work sooner than that, but he'll be lagging behind at the plate. Three guys are vying for the backup role -- George Kottaras, Wil Nieves and Mike Rivera.

Lucroy called manager Ron Roenicke Wednesday night to make sure the manager knew he'd be back quickly.

[Associated Press; By COLIN FLY]

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