Brett Anderson's start for the Milwaukee Brewers against the Cardinals will likely be a 'short' stint as he returns from an injury

Left-hander Brett Anderson, sidelined since taking a liner off his pitching shoulder Sept. 1 in San Francisco, will return to the Milwaukee Brewers starting rotation Wednesday against the St. Louis Cardinals.

It’s the first time the Brewers have needed a sixth starter since Anderson was injured.

Anderson has thrown several bullpen sessions during his recovery, including a light one Monday.

“He’s been ready to go for a while now,” Counsell said. “I think it’s going to be a short start for him (Wednesday). We’re going to have to use bullpen guys, for sure.”

One of those relievers could be rookie lefty Aaron Ashby, which would be fitting because Anderson has served as a mentor for the younger pitcher since coming to the big leagues. Ashby surrendered seven runs to the Chicago Cubs in less than an inning June 30 but has pitched impressively since, posting a 3-0 record and 1.42 ERA in eight games (three starts).

“The goal has been to pitch him in the bullpen but keep him stretched out in case something happens or we have a need somewhere else, and we’ve been able to do that, which has been great,” Counsell said. “He’s had one two-inning outing. The rest have all been at least three innings.

“He’s a reliever right now. We’re going to give him rest after he throws a bunch of innings, but he’s a reliever. He’s doing all his stuff with the relievers. He goes out and stretches with them and does his thing with them.”

Of the way Ashby has performed since his rocky debut, Counsell said, “The most impressive thing, frankly, is how he handled life after his first day, after he pitched. That’s not easy. It was a tough situation.

“I don’t think anyone would have been surprised if it had knocked him down, but it hasn’t at all and that was really impressive. He’s come back better, really. I don’t think anyone can argue that.”