MILWAUKEE — It doesn't exactly qualify as the most advanced in medical technology but it was good enough for Milwaukee Brewers manager Ned Yost Tuesday when it came to learning the most up-to-date news on the condition of pitcher Ben Sheets.

"The trainer didn't come and see me," Yost said, "and if it's a serious thing, they come knocking on the door."

Yost pulled Sheets after five shutout innings Monday because Sheets was suffering from some tightness in his left groin area. Sheets said Tuesday he expects to be able to make his next scheduled start Saturday night against San Diego.

Even the tiniest of injuries to Sheets can create a big concern because of the right-hander's medical history.

Sheets, who is free to test the free agent waters this offseason, has missed just one start this season because of a minor arm problem. But last September, he missed his final two starts with a hamstring problem.

Yost reiterated that Monday's decision to remove Sheets was precautionary.

"Common sense, that's all it is," Yost said. "I'm not going to take one of our best pitchers and blow him out on Sept. 1. …

"We're going to need him. He's got five starts left. I sure don't want to take three of them away because of one game."

Simulated conditions

Starting pitcher Yovani Gallardo, out since the end of April after suffering a knee injury that required surgery, threw his first simulated game prior to batting practice.

Normally, that would be a hint that a pitcher is close to coming back to full-time duty, but the Brewers describe Gallardo's workouts as part of his rehabilitation.

If Gallardo were to come back, it would be to work out of the bullpen. If the Brewers were to make the postseason, Gallardo would be eligible because players can be activated from the disabled list.

Officially speaking

Bob Webb, the embattled official scorer in Pittsburgh who in the eyes of many Brewers robbed CC Sabathia of a no-hitter Sunday, made his case in an interview on XM Radio's baseball channel.

Webb said he has reviewed the play "multiple times" since Sunday and "can't envision changing my mind," he said.

Webb says he still sees the ball hit by Andy LaRoche "spinning" and that Sabathia would not have been using "ordinary effort" to make the play.

Sticking with Gagne

Yost said he has no plans to move reliever Eric Gagne out of the eighth-inning role he has held since coming off the disabled list July 3.

Gagne surrendered three runs and took the loss Monday, with two of those runs coming on a home run by Carlos Delgado. It was the 10th home run allowed by Gagne in 35 2⁄3 innings.

"I love the way people go crazy when there is one little hiccup on the road," Yost said in defense of Gagne.

Gagne has made 19 appearances since returning from the DL: 14 scoreless outings covering 12 1⁄3 innings and five appearances during which he's allowed 12 earned runs in four innings.

Around the horn

The Brewers named shortstop Alcides Escobar and third baseman Mat Gamel their minor league position players of the year and right-hander Jeremy Jeffress the organization's pitcher of the year. Escobar, who hit .328 at Class AA Hunstville, and Gamel, who hit .329 for the Stars, are with the Brewers after being called up this week. Jeffress was a combined 6-7 with a 4.31 ERA with Class A Brevard County and Huntsville. … Pitcher Jeff Suppan is the Brewers' nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award, given to the major league player who best exemplifies the humanitarian spirit demonstrated by Clemente during his lifetime.