The Milwaukee Brewers bullpen received a significant boost with the recent return of standout middle relief pitcher Jared Koenig. Koenig is the first of several key pitchers to return from the injured list for the National League Central Division-leading Brewers, who currently maintain a 59-43 overall record (.578 winning percentage), 16 games above .500, and six ahead of the second-place St. Louis Cardinals.
After being moved to the 15-day injured list with left elbow tendinitis at the end of June, Koenig was reinstated to the active roster on July 21. Before the injury, he was one of the team’s most dependable relievers. He is multi-dimensional, also having started five games this season for the Brewers. He has an 8-1 overall record and 1.58 ERA in 31 appearances, with 37 strikeouts and 1.075 WHIP through 40 innings.
“It taught me a lot in trying to teach myself that it’s just a game and I need to enjoy it. … Once I found that out, I started to become much better.”@SophiaMinnaert met w/ Jared Koenig to learn how his path has helped prepare him for his time with the #Brewers. #ThisIsMyCrew pic.twitter.com/uhx73UM1F5
— Bally Sports Wisconsin (@BallySportWI) April 25, 2024
Brewers Bullpen Gets Boost With Return Of Jared Koenig
Koenig, 30, is a 6-foot-5, 235-pound hard-throwing southpaw. The middle reliever made valuable, significant contributions during the first half of the season. Since returning to the Brewers, Koenig has helped lead the team to road victories over the Minnesota Twins (8-7) and Chicago Cubs (1-0).
In the critical one-inning appearance against Chicago, Koenig worked out of a pressure-packed bases-loaded situation in the eighth. He ultimately fought through a seven-pitch at-bat against Cubs’ pinch-hitter David Bote to force an inning-ending deep fly ball. The tough, gritty effort was a shining example of what he has brought to the table this season.
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JAM#ThisIsMyCrew | #Brewers pic.twitter.com/jxryEwLL0h— Bally Sports Wisconsin (@BallySportWI) July 24, 2024
Koenig, in his second MLB season, utilizes an arsenal of pitches including a sinker, cutter, curveball, changeup, and four-seam fastball, ranging in speed from 80.8 to 95 MPH, according to Baseball Savant.
“Because I’m a little cross-body with a lower arm slot, my sinker and cutter play very well,” said Koenig, in an interview with Sophia Minnaert of Brewers Live. “After utilizing those two pitches, it allows me to go into the bag and use my extra ones at times if needed. My stuff has been moving well and the action is good. If I can keep doing that, I’ll be happy.”
Koenig is quick to point out how the success of the bullpen has centered around its ability to work together. “Everyone is supporting each other,” Koenig said. “We’re all pulling for one another to go out there and throw well every time. It carries over to everyone. Whether one has success or one doesn’t, we’re there to pick them up.”
Several Brewers Pitchers Expected To Come Off IL
Starter DL Hall, starter Joe Ross, and All-Star closer Devin Williams are expected to come off the injured list soon to boost the pitching depth for the Brewers. With the anticipated added firepower, the team isn’t expected to make many significant moves before the trade deadline. The trio remains with the Nashville Sounds, the Brewers’ Triple-A affiliate.
Only time will tell if that depth provided from within the organization will be enough down the stretch.
Photo Credit: © Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
