The National League Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers are seeking to stabilize a thin, fledgling starting rotation. With two notable early-season starters recently placed on the 15-day injured list, the team is relying heavily on the services and leadership of battle-tested major-league veterans Freddy Peralta, Colin Rea, and Joe Ross to steady the ship. The promising development of several young pitchers and the depth of the bullpen have been critical to the team’s ability to work through adversity. Nine different pitchers have started over the first 24 games for first-place Milwaukee, currently 16-8 overall (.667 winning percentage), the second-best record in the NL.
Brewers Seek To Stabilize Rotation Amid Injuries
Hall, Miley Placed On Injured List
DL Hall and Wade Miley both recently went on the 15-day injured list, putting increased pressure on a relatively thin pitching staff. The Brewers have managed to weather the storm at times, but it remains a lingering question how long the success will last.
Hall, 25, went on the IL on April 21 following a left knee sprain. This happened as he was fielding a bunt in the bottom of the second inning in a 12-5 road victory over the St. Louis Cardinals. In a corresponding move, left-handed relief pitcher Jared Koenig was recalled from Triple-A Nashville. The promising left-hander is off to a tough start since his acquisition from the Baltimore Orioles. Koenig was part of a controversial, highly-publicized offseason trade for former NL Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes. Hall is 0-1 with a 7.71 earned run average in four starts this season, allowing 14 earned runs on 27 hits with 13 strikeouts and 10 walks through 16 1/3 innings of work.
Miley, 37, went to the IL on April 22 with left elbow inflammation, retroactive to April 19. Afterward, the Brewers recalled Tobias Myers from Triple-A Nashville to fill the spot. The veteran left-hander is 0-1 with a 6.43 ERA in two starts, yielding five earned runs on six hits with two strikeouts and four walks in seven innings. He rejoined the Brewers for a second stint last season and re-signed with the organization on a one-year, $7 million contract on Dec. 4, 2023.
LHP Wade Miley placed on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to April 19, with left elbow inflammation.
RHP Tobias Myers recalled from Triple-A Nashville.
1B Jake Bauers reinstated from the bereavement list.
INF Andruw Monasterio optioned to Triple-A Nashville. pic.twitter.com/gwMx93AUoO
— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) April 22, 2024
Veterans Continue To Shine For Brewers
First-year manager Pat Murphy has remained patient as the Brewers continue to work through the daunting situation. Thanks in part to the valuable contributions of newly anointed ace Freddy Peralta (2-0), second-year starter Colin Rea (2-0), and acquired veteran free agent Joe Ross (1-2), the team continues to thrive. The veteran trio has combined for five victories in 13 starts, working 70 innings in the process.
An example of Milwaukee’s determined approach is when it utilized four pitchers in a 2-0 victory to complete a rare, statement-making sweep of intra-division rival St. Louis on April 21. Following a strong start from Rea, relievers Bryan Hudson, Elvis Peguero and Joel Payamps each followed with short appearances out of the bullpen to close the door, combining for a six-hit shutout.
4 Pitchers. 0 Earned Runs. 1 Sweep Secured.#ThisIsMyCrew X @MillerLite pic.twitter.com/IhwI1DR4Jd
— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) April 22, 2024
Promising Young Arms Look To Contribute
Myers looked good in his major league debut in a 2-1 loss to Pittsburgh. Bryse Wilson, in his second season, has also impressed in his two starts, but it remains to be seen what the Brewers will ultimately do to strengthen the rotation. However, with a blue-collar, next-man-up mentality, the team maintains it can correct the lingering issue. Only time will tell how long it will take to find the right fit.
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