The Milwaukee Brewers have struggled this season, and with the trade of Zack Greinke, appear to have given up any hope of competing for the playoffs.

They've also found a scapegoat for their bullpen issues this season. Adam McCalvy:

Longtime coach Stan Kyles was "relieved of his duties" today, according to the team.

Lee Tunnell will replace Kyles on an interim basis and report to the team on Tuesday. Kyles had been in his current role since 2009 and coached in the Minor Leagues before that.

"It is important that we make every effort to try to improve our bullpen performance," Brewers general manager Doug Melvin said in a statement. "While Stan is not solely responsible, I felt that this change was the first step and was necessary. Stan has been a loyal member of the Milwaukee Brewers organization for 11 years. His hard work and dedication has been an integral part of the Brewers’ success and is greatly appreciated. His professionalism, personality and knowledge will be missed."

Hm. If Kyles was that good, why fire him? (Rhetorical question!)

The Brewers do have a 4.80 relief ERA and 20 blown saves this year, the latter the most in the major leagues. So something was going to happen, and there are only so many pitchers in Class AAA to bring up.

Tunnell, who pitched for six major league seasons with the Pirates, Cardinals and Twins in the 1980s, has been in the Milwaukee organization for four years, most recently as minor-league pitching coordinator.

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