Brewers' rotation remains in flux

Milwaukee (42-38) at Chicago (39-38), 12:05 p.m. CT

Adam McCalvy / MLB.com

CHICAGO -- Braden Looper has been a relative workhorse for the Brewers this season, pitching at least six innings in 11 of his 16 starts, including eight of his past 10 and each of his past two. He'll look to continue the trend in an Independence Day start against the Cubs on Saturday.

At least one spot in the Brewers' starting rotation isn't so secure. Manager Ken Macha was still fuzzy on Friday about what he'll do when Seth McClung's turn comes up next. Macha has said he'll use Monday's off-day to push that spot from Wednesday to Saturday.

Who will take that turn in the rotation?

"I couldn't tell you who is," Macha said. "It will be 'TBA,' and we'll try to figure something out."

Manny Parra, demoted to the Minors last month, made his fourth Triple-A start on Friday and could be an option, though Brewers officials have said they would prefer to leave him at Nashville. When he met with reporters on Friday, Macha still wouldn't rule out McClung, a day after the right-hander surrendered seven runs in 3 1/3 innings.

But a more likely scenario could involve general manager Doug Melvin making a trade for a mid-level veteran such the D-backs' Doug Davis. The Brewers' top scout watched Davis pitch on Thursday.

"I haven't ruled anybody out," Macha said. "We're going to explore all our options. [McClung] could have made our decision a lot easier."

Macha did rule out Dave Bush, who has been on the disabled list with microtears in his right triceps and is eligible to return Monday. Bush threw from 120 feet in the Wrigley Field outfield on Friday morning, then came back in and "pitched" to bullpen coach Stan Kyles on flat ground.

The plan, according to Macha, is that Bush will continue working toward a Minor League rehabilitation appearance for Double-A Huntsville on July 15 at Mississippi.