Algona native makes Brewers NLDS roster

(Photo submitted) Since being called up on Sept. 1, Algona Garrigan graduate Brad Nelson has gone 2-for-7 with a walk with the Brewers.

PHILADELPHIA -- The Brewers settled on a 25-man roster for the National League Division Series on Tuesday, and the 25th man was as surprised as anybody.

First baseman/outfielder Brad Nelson, a September callup, made the final cut and will provide Brewers manager Dale Sveum an extra left-handed bat off the bench for the best-of-five series against the Phillies.

"Awesome," Nelson said after getting the news. "I've been feeling good ever since getting called up. I feel confident in everything right now."

Nelson is a graduate of Bishop Garrigan High School in Algona and was coached by legendary coach Gene Meister, a member of the Iowa High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

Nelson still holds Iowa High School records for hits in a season (83) and RBI in a season (91), both of which he accomplished in 1999. Nelson sits in second on the single-season home run list with 27 and is tied for fifth on the career home runs list with 49.

As expected, injured right-handers Ben Sheets (elbow) and David Riske (elbow) and outfielder Gabe Kapler (right shoulder) were not on the roster. Aside from Nelson, there were no substantial surprises.

Tony Gwynn Jr., Mitch Stetter and Nelson were not on Milwaukee's 25-man roster on Aug. 31, but they were eligible for the postseason because they were in the organization as of that date and they replaced injured players.

Nelson won his spot over third baseman/first baseman Russell Branyan, who also bats left-handed but was on the disabled list for most of September with a strained right oblique, and utility man Joe Dillon, a right-handed hitter.

"We were a little concerned with Branyan's health, though he looked fine today in [batting practice]," Sveum said after the Brewers worked out at Citizens Bank Park. "Nelly is a combination; he's played the most outfield of anybody else right now of those guys. He's given us some really good at-bats. Knock on wood, I don't think he's had a poor at-bat since he's been here."

Once considered Milwaukee's top prospect before a Draft pick named Fielder blocked Nelson's path at first base, Nelson hit .286 this season at Triple-A Nashville with 18 home runs and earned a September promotion. In the big leagues, he went 2-for-7 with two doubles and a walk.

Nelson boarded the team's charter flight on Monday in Milwaukee not knowing whether he would remain with the team in Philadelphia or head home to Iowa to help his dad with the fall harvest at the family farm.

"Everybody's hopeful, [because] when you get on that plane, there's a chance," Nelson said.