Brewers optioned RHP Johnny Hellweg to Triple-A Nashville.

Hellweg wasn't going to pitch again before the All-Star break, so the Brewers decided to open up a 25-man roster spot. The right-hander allowed four runs over 4 1/3 innings on Wednesday afternoon against the Reds, falling to 0-3 on the year with a 10.97 ERA and 3.00 WHIP.

Johnny Hellweg surrendered seven runs (three earned) over 3 2/3 innings Friday in a loss to the Mets.

Hellweg didn't get any help from his defense, but he also dug himself plenty of holes by walking five batters and throwing 56 out of 93 pitches for strikes. The 24-year-old owns a 12.79 ERA and 3.63 WHIP in his first 6 1/3 innings in the majors, spanning two starts and one relief appearance. He doesn't appear ready for primetime.

The Brewers are pushing back Johnny Hellweg's next start.

The decision was made after Hellweg was hammered for seven runs (five earned) over 1 2/3 innings in his major league debut last Friday against the Pirates. The young right-hander pitched an inning of relief in Monday's loss to the Nationals, so the most likely scenario is that he makes his next start when the Brewers return home Friday to face the Mets. He shouldn't be trusted in most fantasy leagues right now.

Johnny Hellweg was absolutely obliterated in his major league debut on Friday, surrendering seven runs (five earned) on six hits in just 1 2/3 innings in a loss to the Pirates.

Hellweg walked two and struck out one in the abbreviated outing. After being staked to an early 3-0 lead, Hellweg came out of the gate strong, retiring the Buccos in order in the first inning. The second frame was another story though, as nine hitters reached and the Brewers scratched out seven runs before chasing him. Assuming he doesn't head right back to Triple-A for more seasoning, he'll look for better results in his next start against the Nationals in Washington on Wednesday.

Brewers recalled RHP Johnny Hellweg from Triple-A Nashville.

Hellweg will make his major league debut on Friday in Pittsburgh, taking the injured Alfredo Figaro's spot in the rotation. One of the club's top pitching prospects, Hellweg has put up a 2.82 ERA but an ugly 50/44 K/BB ratio over 76 2/3 innings this season at Nashville. The 6-foot-9 right-hander has major control issues, but he has great stuff and is worth a gamble in NL-only formats.

Brewers assistant general manager Gord Ash said Tuesday that the team is giving Johnny Hellweg a rest at Triple-A Nashville in order to limit his innings.

Hellweg hasn't start a game since June 11, but it's not injury-related. The 24-year-old right-hander has a 3.06 ERA and 48/44 K/BB ratio in 70 2/3 innings over 13 starts this season in Triple-A. Watching his innings now could provide the Brewers with a chance to give him an extended look later this summer.

Brewers prospect Johnny Hellweg has been very impressive early on in spring camp, and could be a consideration to open the season in the bullpen.

Hellweg was acquired from the Angels last season in the Zack Greinke trade. He has worked as both a starter and reliever in the minor leagues, but the Brewers would only use him out of the bullpen if he were to make the Opening Day roster. If not, he'll serve as a starter at Triple-A.

Brewers recalled RHP Johnny Hellweg from Double-A Huntsville.

Acquired from the Angels in the Zack Greinke deal, Hellweg posted a 3.29 ERA over 139 2/3 frames at the Double-A level this season. He has the stuff to be a mid-rotation starter if he can work out his control issues.

Brewers acquired RHP Johnny Hellweg, SS Jean Segura and RHP Ariel Pena from the Angels for RHP Zack Greinke.

Hellweg was a 16th round selection of the Angels in the 2008 draft. In 21 starts with Double-A Arkansas this season, he compiled a 5-10 record, 3.38 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 88/60 K/BB ratio. As is the case with Pena, he's considered close to big league ready, and could see some time in the Brewers rotation as soon as this season.