Milwaukee City Wire

Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell is counting down the days until veteran hurler Freddy Peralta’s return after more than two months on the team's injury list.

"Freddy will join us in Pittsburgh, and then we'll figure out what he's doing to do and when," Counsell said in an ESPN report. "His next outing will be with us. The when is to be determined."

The next time Peralta takes the mound for the National League Central-leading Brewers, expected to be Sunday against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park, will be his first since going down with a lat strain on May 23. And while Counsell was uncertain about what his role will be, he left no question about what his overall plan entails.

"He's been pushing and pushing and pushing, and feeling great for a long time now. It's been a successful rehab and some successful outings, so we're excited to get him back," he said.

As his comeback has progressed, Peralta has made two starts in the minor leagues in Nashville, allowing just four hits and striking out eight batters, with no walks. With the Brewers also missing starter Adrian Houser with a flexor strain, Peralta’s return couldn’t be coming at a better time for the team.

On the year, Peralta, 26, is 3-2 with a 4.42 ERA and 50 strikeouts in 38 2/3 innings. He was named an All-Star last season, going 10-5 with a 2.81 ERA and 195 strikeouts in 144 1/3 innings.

The Brewers also recently looked to bolster their step by adding right-handed reliever Matt Bush in a deal that sent infielder Matt Mathias and pitching prospect Antoine Kelly to Texas. Since his debut with the Rangers in 2016, Bush has appeared in 180 games, composing a 3.34 ERA.