Stiff neck sidelines Counsell

Craig Counsell was a late scratch from the Brewers’ split-squad game against the Rockies at Maryvale Baseball Park and it appears the culprit was a stiff neck.

“I told Craig to let us know whether he could play or not,” said manager Ken Macha, who attended the team’s other split-squad game in Glendale, Ariz. but got a report from Maryvale. “I think he came in and took [batting practice] and it stiffened up on him.”

Counsell, 39, is a key member of a Brewers bench that took some shape on Saturday when the Rangers claimed another infielder, Hernan Iribarren, off waivers. With Iribarren out of the picture, it appears the leading candidate for the final infield spot after Counsell is Joe Inglett. Prospect Mat Gamel is also getting a look.

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