It was officially announced yesterday that Brewers shortstop Rich White will likely need to miss nearly a month of action due to a strained back. His back has been an issue for the excellent fielding 27-year old for some time and he missed over a month of play last season due to the same ailment and also missed that much time in 1972 as a minor leaguer for the same reason.
With White out it will likely fall to left-handed hitter Joe Willemse and right-handed hitter Nick Ward to platoon at short. Willemse provides the better bat and above average defense while Ward is a superb defender- possibly White's equal- but not much of a hitter.
Third baseman Jake DiCesare, who did well in an extended stint with the big league club earlier in the season, gets the call-up from AAA Chester to take White's place on the active roster.