Right-hander Chris Spurling, who left the Brewers for a few days to attend to a personal matter, rejoined the club Saturday. In order to clear a spot on the 25-man roster, the team optioned outfielder Gabe Gross to Class AAA Nashville.

Gross appeared in 55 games (21 starts) and compiled a .202 average, four homers and nine RBI. Though primary role was as a pinch-hitter. Gross was 3 for 21 (.146) in that position. The Brewers felt he would be better off getting more regular playing time.

Spurling, who has pitched 28 games and has a 1-1 record and 3.03 earned run average. He was placed on the emergency bereavement list (which lasts from three to five days) after his 1-year-old son was injured in a swimming pool accident.

The Brewers, who are carrying 13 pitchers at present, will need to make another roster move when centerfielder Bill Hall (ankle sprain) returns from the disabled list in the middle of next week.