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Brewers release reliever Julio

MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee Brewers made big changes to their thin bullpen on Tuesday.

One day after reliever Jorge Julio allowed five runs while facing six batters in the sixth inning of Milwaukee’s 7-4 loss to the Florida Marlins, the Brewers released the right-hander.

Julio entered Monday night’s game in Miami with Milwaukee leading 4-2. He gave up two hits, hit two batters, walked one and another reached on an error. Signed to a one-year, $950,000 deal in the offseason, Julio was let go Tuesday after going 1-1 with a 7.79 ERA in 15 appearances.

The Brewers called up right-hander Mike Burns from Triple-A Nashville. Burns was 6-2 with a 2.98 ERA for the Sounds.

Brewers manager Ken Macha said after the loss that his bullpen was too thin to bridge the gap between the sixth inning and the setup relievers in front of closer Trevor Hoffman. Reliable reliever Mark DiFelice was also out with stiffness in his elbow.

Earlier Tuesday, right-hander David Riske underwent reconstructive surgery on his right elbow. Dr. Lewis Yocum performed the “Tommy John” surgery in Los Angeles.

Riske, expected to be a key player and potential closer when he signed a three-year, $13 million deal with the Brewers before the 2008 season, will be sidelined the rest of this year and likely some or all of 2010.

In his first season, he went 1-2 with a 5.31 ERA in 45 appearances before needing surgery in September to remove a bone spur from his right elbow.

He made just one appearance this season, giving two runs before going on the disabled list on April 16 with a tight elbow.