Brewers send Bateman (MCLA '06) to Minors camp

Bateman ('06), though, reported to camp intending to win a spot on the Opening Day roster. The 28-year-old non-roster invitee was not as effective in his three Cactus League innings before Sunday's quality outing, allowing five earned runs on four hits and two walks. He will likely head back to Triple-A Nashville, where he posted a sterling 1.60 ERA in 23 games during the second half of 2008.

"That was a tough one," said manager Ken Macha, who delivered the news to Bateman on Monday morning. "You take a look at his history, he's got great numbers at every level. I don't think anybody is ever pleased when they get sent down, not that he was upset, but he said he understands."

Macha left Bateman with some suggestions "to try to help him along," including instructions to work on his changeup. He also left Bateman with a word of encouragement.

"I brought up the names of two guys who got to the big leagues at a later stage and were very successful," Macha said. "Kent Tekulve was one of them and ... Brad Ziegler also had great success."

Macha was a Pittsburgh Pirates teammate of Tekulve, who debuted in the big leagues in 1974 as a 27-year-old but did not make it up for good until he was 28. Ziegler debuted with Oakland last season at age 28, posted a 1.06 ERA in 47 games and is now with Team USA in the World Baseball Classic.

Bateman will turn 29 on May 6. The Brewers plucked him away from the Giants in the 2007 Rule 5 Draft, and he owns a 2.91 ERA in 280 Minor League games since 2002.