Jim Henderson injury: Brewers place closer on disabled list

Milwaukee recalled Donovan Hand to replace the closer on the roster

By Connor Moylan May 26, 2013, 2:15pm EDT

The Milwaukee Brewers officially placed closer Jim Henderson on the 15-day disabled list Saturday night, and recalled relief pitcher Donovan Hand to take Henderson's spot on the roster.

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Henderson strained his hamstring on Friday night attempting to close out the team's 2-1 victory against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Brewers manager Ron Roenicke told the media that Henderson was "limping around" on Saturday, and underwent a medical examination to confirm the strain.

The right-hander has pitched well in the closer's role since taking it over from John Axford earlier in the season. Henderson has made 20 appearances for the Brewers in 2013, recording nine saves and posting a 0.92 ERA.

Roenicke also told the media that he plans to use a closer-by-committee role while Henderson is on the disabled list. The team has three relievers in the bullpen who have closing experience: Francisco Rodriguez, Michael Gonzalez and Axford. Rodgriguez relieved Henderson on Friday night following the closer's injury, and recording the final out of the inning to pick up the save.

Hand is receiving his first call up to the major leagues; the team moved Mark Rogers to the 60-day disabled list to make room for Hand on the 40-man. The right-handed pitcher has been used as a starter and a reliever in the Brewers farm system, but has been exclusively used out of the bullpen for Triple-A Nashville this season. Hand sports a 3.18 ERA and a 10.16 K/9 ratio in 16 relief appearances this season.