Hawkins nearing end of rehab run

The Triple-A Nashville Sounds are scheduled for a doubleheader in Omaha today, and it could be a big day for rehabbing Brewers reliever LaTroy Hawkins. He’s scheduled to pitch for the second straight day, and his next outing after that could be back with the Brewers.

Sunday would mark Hawkins’ fifth appearance on a Minor League rehabilitation assignment during which he’s been building strength in his surgically-repaired right shoulder. Hawkins had a rotator cuff and labrum repair last August, and at the end of Spring Training was topping out in the low 90 mph range.

Now his velocity is back, and Brewers manager Ron Roenicke said the Brewers would discuss reinstating Hawkins from the 15-day disabled list this week.

After beginning his rehab with three appearances with Class A Brevard County, Hawkins made his first appearance for Nashville on Saturday night and retired the first two hitters he faced before walking the next two and reaching his 20-pitch limit.

Left-hander Manny Parra, on the DL with a back injury, also pitched Saturday for Nashville and allowed two runs on four hits in 2 2/3 innings. He threw 49 pitches, 30 for strikes, and walked two batters with two strikeouts.

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