MILWAUKEE - Kyle Lohse was removed from the Milwaukee Brewers' pitching rotation on Thursday after struggling for most of the season.

The 14-year veteran, who is 5-13 with a 6.31 ERA, was scheduled to start Friday against St. Louis. He last started Sunday against the Chicago Cubs and gave up nine hits and four runs in 4 1/3 innings. Opponents are batting .303 against Lohse this season. He will pitch out of the bullpen.

"Kyle was a real pro about it and that's what you expect," Milwaukee manager Craig Counsell said. "Despite his struggle, he's been a very positive influence on all of our pitchers and in the clubhouse in general. I have a tremendous amount of respect for what Kyle has done as a major league player and for what he's done as a Brewer. You don't want it to happen like this but it was the time, we think, that it had to be done."

Lohse, who will be a free agent at the end of the season, will be replaced in the rotation by Tyler Cravy (0-2, 3.60 ERA). Cravy was recalled Wednesday from Triple-A Colorado Springs, where he was 7-7 with a 3.97 ERA in 17 starts. This marks Cravy's third stint with the Brewers this season. He made his major league debut on June 2 at St. Louis, giving up one run and four hits in seven innings.

"He had a very good start against St. Louis and a so-so start his next time out," Counsell said. "To me, it warrants another chance. And he's performed at triple-A as well as anyone there. He's a player that you want to see more of at this level."