The acquisition of Shaun Marcum, when announced, looked to be the Brewers' signature off-season move. Attention quickly shifted when general manager Doug Melvin pulled the trigger on a deal with Kansas City to bring former Cy Young Award winner Zack Greinke to Milwaukee.

While Greinke continues to work his way back to full strength, Marcum has quietly settled in as the staff ace and currently leads the team in victories (six), earned run average (2.37) and strikeouts (62).

Greinke and Yovani Gallardo are known for blistering stuff, but Marcum is a control pitcher who works wonders with his off-speed pitches – especially his changeup.

"He's amazing," manager Ron Roenicke said Saturday, after Marcum allowed a run on four hits. "He's one of those rare guys that really gets it, that doesn't have electric stuff. He has good stuff, but it's because he knows how to locate it, use his off-speed pitches, he knows when to try to throw it by a guy inside, and he has a great feel for the game."

The Brewers were willing to part with top prospect Brett Lawrie to land Marcum, who went 13-8 with a 3.64 ERA while pitching in the powerful American League East. There is a pattern of American League pitchers seeing their numbers improve when switching to the National League and that, so far, has held true for Marcum.

Marcum struggled in his first outing, allowing a career-high five walks in 4-2 loss at Cincinnati on April 2. Since then, Marcum has been phenomenal winning six consecutive decisions (nine starts) while posting a 2.10 ERA with 55 strikeouts and allowing just 10 walks.

"I looked at the division that he was pitching in, and the numbers he had and I knew this was going to be a very good pitcher," Roenicke said. "Did I know he was only going to give up one run a game and do what he's doing? Probably not, but I knew he was capable of it."

He opened last week's road trip with an impressive seven-inning outing Monday at Los Angeles, scattering five hits over seven innings while allowing one run in a 2-1 Milwaukee victory. He followed that up with an eight-inning, four-hit effort Saturday at Miller Park.

"He knows how to pitch," said catcher Jonathan Lucroy.

Axford stays strong: Like Marcum, closer John Axford struggled in his first outing of the season but he, too, has settled into his role. He picked up his 11th and 12th saves of the season over the weekend and has converted nine consecutive opportunities.

"That's huge, to know who your closer is," Roencike said. "You look at the teams that don't know, and it's kind of a mess."

If you take away his season-opening outing at Cincinnati, Axford's ERA drops to 2.61.

Parra shut down again: Manny Parra's season doesn't look to get better any time soon. The left-hander, out since early in spring training with a back issue was shut down with a sprained ulnar collateral ligament and a sprained flexor tendon May 4.

He felt pain during a throwing session and the Brewers decided to put him on the shelf once again. A previous MRI revealed no structural damage but Parra will consult with Dr. Lewis Yocum – noted for his work with ligament replacement surgery (Tommy John surgery) – to get a second opinion.

Injury report: LHP Zach Braddock will pitch with Class A Wisconsin as he works his way back after going on the disabled list with a sleeping disorder ... OF Nyjer Morgan was supposed to join the Timber Rattlers for a rehab assignment this week, but with bad weather in the forecast, he'll head to the team's spring training facility instead.

On the farm: Hunter Morris, taken last year in the fourth round of the draft, was promoted to Class AA Huntsville after hitting .317 with four home runs and 24 RBI in 40 games with Class A Brevard County.

Joining the Stars was big news for Morris who grew up in Huntsville and played his college ball at Auburn.

"When I found out, my parents went out and bought a bunch of tickets knowing that today was going to be pretty hectic with me as far as traveling, getting here, getting prepared to play," Morris said prior to his Huntsville debut. "The most important thing is that I go out and do my job on the field.

"I've had friends and family calling me to see if it was true. I have friends driving up from Auburn to see me play tonight. It's a really cool experience. I'm just glad to be home and see family and friends."

Quick hits: The team did not take batting practice during the Rockies series ... Former Brewers outfielder Geoff Jenkins will represent the team next month at the MLB First-Year Player Draft ... The Brewers swept the Rockies despite being out-hit in all three games ... Since April 24, the Brewers have hit .178 with RISP, the lowest mark in the majors ... Braun has hit safely in 12 straight games and is hitting .298 during that stretch with two home runs and 14 RBI ... The bullpen has a 1.74 ERA since May 11 (31 IP).

Attendance: Total – 746,224; Average – 33,922; Sellouts – 5.

This week: A long home stand continues when the Washington Nationals (21-25) come to town for a three-game set at Miller Park. Thursday is an off-day for the Brewers, who then play host to the defending N.L. champs, the Giants, over the weekend.

NL Central standings (through games Sunday)