Rickie Weeks is coming up in the bottom of the fourth, because he's the Brewers' No. 5 hitter today.
This is nothing new, as Weeks has been the Brewers' No. 5 hitter throughout this Division Series.
The only problem is that the Brewers' No. 5 hitter hasn't been hitting, at all.
Weeks tripled in Game 2, but is hitless in his other 15 at-bats.
Flukish? Sure. But Weeks really hasn't hit much since late July, when he went on the DL with a serious ankle injury. Weeks returned to the lineup in September, but since then and including this Division Series, he's batted .189 with one double, one triple and one home run.
It's not like anybody thinks Weeks is healthy. Here was Ron Roenicke yesterday, talking about Weeks:
"You guys see the ankle, it isn't right," Roenicke said. "We knew it wouldn't be. But we were hoping that offensively, he would get locked in and be able to really hold down that fifth spot."
The Brewers acquired Jerry Hairston, Jr. at the trade deadline in part to cover for Weeks' injury. But he's since replaced Casey McGehee at third, leaving Roenicke limited options at second.
Craig Counsell would probably be the first choice, but he's had a disappointing regular season, hitting just .178.
One can't help wondering, though ... If Weeks' ankle is limiting him offensively, what about defensively? Is he still better than Craig Counsell with the bat and the glove?
Hard to say. That's why Roenicke's the manager, I guess.