Brewers call up prospect Lara after 7-year deal

ST. LOUIS -- Milwaukee Brewers outfield prospect Luis Lara has been called up to the major leagues nearly a month after signing a seven-year, $31 million contract. The NL Central-leading Brewers announced before their doubleheader Tuesday with the St. Louis Cardinals that they had promoted Lara and optioned outfielder Blake Perkins to Triple-A Nashville. Lara, 21, was still playing for Nashville when the Brewers signed him last month to a deal that runs through 2032 and includes club options for 2033, 2034 and 2035. The 5-foot-7 outfielder from Venezuela has long been regarded as an outstanding fielder, but he's having a breakthrough season at the plate. Lara hit .321 with a .432 on-base percentage, .470 slugging percentage, nine homers, 42 RBI and 24 steals in 78 games with Nashville. He batted .257 with a .369 on-base percentage and .343 slugging percentage in 136 games for Double-A Biloxi last season. This marks the second time this year that a Brewers prospect has been called up to the majors after signing a long-term deal. Shortstop Cooper Pratt made his MLB debut on June 16, 2 1/2 months after he signed an eight-year, $50.75 million contract. Pratt, who turns 22 on Aug. 18, entered Tuesday's doubleheader with a .204 batting average, .313 on-base percentage, no homers, two RBI and six steals in 18 games with Milwaukee. Perkins, 29, was hitting .157 with a .250 on-base percentage, one homer, 11 RBI and three steals in 53 games with the Brewers.