Milwaukee Brewers Defying Expectations, Pitching Staff Well-Tested
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The Milwaukee Brewers are proving their skeptics wrong this season and it’s been because of anything but luck. With setbacks dating back to preseason, including devastating injuries and controversial player trades, the Brewers postseason goals looked daunting. Now 68 games into the season, Milwaukee has managed to establish a six-game lead over the NL Central, taking five of their last six series, and are the current favorites to win the division. Despite their success, you might wonder why the reigning NL Central champions would face so much skepticism. The answer can be found in the giant question mark that surrounded the Milwaukee pitching staff.
The Brewers' challenges began early. All-Star pitcher Brandon Woodruff underwent preseason shoulder surgery and remains out for the season. Corbin Burnes, a cornerstone of the pitching staff, was traded to the Baltimore Orioles, and Devin Williams, the reigning NL reliever of the year, suffered two back fractures which will sideline him until sometime around the All-Star break.
The rotation woes didn’t end there. Three of the five members of the Brewers’ Opening Day rotation, DL Hall, Jakob Junis, and Joe Ross, have all been placed on the injured reserve list. This doesn’t even include 37-year-old Lefty Wade Miley, who began the season on the IL with shoulder soreness, and returned for just two starts in April before tearing his UCL.
To fill the void, Milwaukee has turned to Bryse Wilson and Tobias Myers. Wilson, originally a reliever, has stepped up admirably going 3-3 in 16 games this season and posting a 4.19 ERA. Myers, a rookie acquired for minor league depth, has also played a crucial role going 3-2 in 9 games posting a 3.76 ERA. Despite these efforts, the Brewers’ starters rank just 17th in the majors with a combined 4.13 ERA and are 26th in FIP (4.39). Only the Marlins and Rockies have seen less contribution from their starters in terms of WAR.
The Brew Crew’s bullpen has been the backbone of their recent success. Ranked in the top ten in the league in wins and ERA, and top five in saves, this unit has been stellar. Bryan Hudson, a key middle reliever, boasts a 1.00 ERA in 24 games with a 4-0 record. Acquired from the Dodgers, Hudson has become indispensable.
Complementing Hudson is Elvis Peguero, whose slider has baffled batters all season. Despite his high walk rate and lower-than-expected strikeout numbers, Peguero's 2.89 ERA and 4-2 record in 27 games are impressive. He was acquired as a component of the trade that sent Hunter Renfroe to the Angels before the 2023 season.
Their 6’8” closer, Trevor Megill has also been lights-out, with an ERA of 1.89 and a fastball that regularly sits around 98-100 mph. His performance has placed him in the top five in K-BB%, solidifying the back end of the bullpen.
As the season progresses, the Brewers will look to maintain their momentum. If their bullpen continues its exceptional performance and the team manages to stay competitive until reinforcements arrive, Milwaukee could once again be a force to reckon with in the postseason.