Last week, Zack Greinke became the first pitcher since 1918 to start three games in a row for his team.

Yes, that happened and it was really strange.

Unfortunately, Greinke didn't pitch well in those three games. In the first, he was ejected after throwing four pitches. In the second and third, he got knocked out early. Overall, he gave up 10 runs in eight inning over the three games, his ERA jumping from 3.08 to 3.57 in an instant ... which made Tony La Russa look a bit smarter for not choosing Greinke for the All-Star Game.

Now, something's up:

Now starting Wednesday vs. StL for the #Brewers will be Tyler Thornburg. Ron will address later. Greinke had been listed. @tylerthornburg

— Mike Vassallo (@MikeVassallo13) July 16, 2012

Greinke's reportedly not scheduled to pitch in the Brewers' next series, either.

Two obvious possibilities:

1. Greinke, an obvious trade candidate, is moving to another club and soon.

2. Greinke's injured.

We'll know more shortly, but thought you would want to know what we do know, now.

Update: Third obvious possibility, which I should have mentioned before ...

#brewers just giving greinke added rest after 3 straight starts. GM Melvin told @Ken_Rosenthal: "recharging his batteries."

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) July 16, 2012

Greinke does seem like the sort of pitcher who might occasionally need to "recharge his batteries" ... though it's sort of a strange thing to sit a supposedly healthy pitcher if you're trying to make the playoffs. And if you're not trying to make the playoffs, it would really be a strange thing to not trade Zack Greinke, who's quite probably going to walk as a free agent after the season.