Struggling Kyle Lohse out of Brewers' pitching rotation

MILWAUKEE (AP) Kyle Lohse was removed from the Milwaukee Brewers' pitching rotation on Thursday after struggling for most of the season.

The 14-year veteran, who is 5-13 with a 6.31 ERA, was scheduled to start Friday against St. Louis. He last started Sunday against the Chicago Cubs and gave up nine hits and four runs in 4 1/3 innings. Opponents are batting .303 against Lohse this season. He will pitch out of the bullpen.

''Kyle was a real pro about it and that's what you expect,'' Milwaukee manager Craig Counsell said. ''Despite his struggle, he's been a very positive influence on all of our pitchers and in the clubhouse in general. I have a tremendous amount of respect for what Kyle has done as a major league player and for what he's done as a Brewer. You don't want it to happen like this but it was the time, we think, that it had to be done.''

Lohse, who will be a free agent at the end of the season, will be replaced in the rotation by Tyler Cravy (0-2, 3.60 ERA). Cravy was recalled Wednesday from Triple-A Colorado Springs, where he was 7-7 with a 3.97 ERA in 17 starts. This marks Cravy's third stint with the Brewers this season. He made his major league debut on June 2 at St. Louis, giving up one run and four hits in seven innings.

''He had a very good start against St. Louis and a so-so start his next time out,'' Counsell said. ''To me, it warrants another chance. And he's performed at triple-A as well as anyone there. He's a player that you want to see more of at this level.''