The Milwaukee Brewers have been dealt another blow as left-handed pitcher Robert Gasser has been placed on the 15-day injured list with a left flexor strain. Gasser, 25, felt tightness and soreness in his elbow after his start on Saturday, prompting the team to take precautionary measures.

The Brewers have recalled left-hander Aaron Ashby and right-hander Tobias Myers from Triple-A Nashville to fill the void left by Gasser. However, Gasser's absence will be felt, as he has shown promise in his first five career starts, boasting an impressive 2.57 earned run average.

Manager Pat Murphy provided a positive update on Gasser's condition, stating that the initial MRI results looked relatively normal. However, it appears that the team decided to exercise caution or that further testing revealed a more concerning issue. The exact duration of Gasser's absence is currently unclear, but he is expected to miss at least a couple of turns through the rotation while on the injured list.

Gasser's injury adds to the mounting list of pitching woes for the Brewers. Brandon Woodruff is set to miss the entire season recovering from shoulder surgery, while Wade Miley is out after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Jakob Junis, DL Hall, and Joe Ross are also sidelined due to various injuries.

Despite these setbacks, the Brewers have managed to maintain a solid record, standing at 36-25 and holding a six-game lead over the Cubs in the National League Central. Today, Ashby will take the mound in Gasser's absence, with the team having an off day tomorrow.

The Brewers will rely on Freddy Peralta, Bryse Wilson, and Colin Rea to fill in the rotation over the weekend, but constructing the rotation beyond that remains a challenge. Junis started a rehab assignment but will need a few more outings before rejoining the team, while Ashby and Myers will need to prove themselves at the major league level.

Given the uncertainty surrounding their rotation and their position in the standings, it is highly likely that the Brewers will be seeking additional starting pitching options leading up to the trade deadline in July. Quick returns from Junis, Gasser, and others would certainly improve the team's situation, but there is still room for additions.

Several teams are expected to be sellers leading up to the trade deadline, with pitchers like Erick Fedde, Garrett Crochet, Jesús Luzardo, Trevor Rogers, Tyler Anderson, Griffin Canning, and Patrick Sandoval potentially becoming available. The Brewers, along with other teams like the Tigers, Blue Jays, Mets, and Astros, will be closely monitoring these situations.

As the Brewers navigate the challenges posed by injuries to their rotation, their ability to bolster their pitching staff will be crucial in maintaining their strong position in the National League Central and making a deep playoff run.