No one would argue that Brandon Woodruff is off to a great start to 2020. He is the Brewers’ current ace and number one starting pitcher. However, Adrian Houser is quickly making a case that the Milwaukee Brewers now have a true 1-2 punch in the starting rotation.
Houser 2019 Stats
Adrian Houser appeared in 35 games in 2019. 18 of those games were as a starting pitcher. Houser started out of the bullpen to start 2019, and didn’t make his first start until July 1st.
Houser finished the year with a 6-7 record, a 3.72 ERA, one hold and two “official” quality starts.
The 2019 season showed flashes of brilliance for Houser. In August, he gave up only eight earned runs over five starts. He had two great starts in a row. On August 10th, he went six innings, gave up only three hits, one earned run and had 10 strike outs.
His next start on August 15th was great as well. He went seven innings, gave up two hits and only one earned run. Sadly, the Brewers didn’t show up on offense that day and he took a loss, which could have easily been a win.
His ERA appears a bit high, but most of his high-ERA games were his first few starts in July. Almost all of his starts lasted at least five innings. When you break down the numbers and watch the games he pitched, Houser had a solid year despite having a losing record and almost a 4 ERA.
Houser 2020 So Far
Houser’s 2020 so far has been nothing short of fantastic.
With many concerned over the Brewers starting pitching this season, Milwaukee’s rotation as a whole has shown up so far.
If you think about the current problems for the Brewers, the starting rotation isn’t one of them right now. Even with the cancelled series with St. Louis and the injury to Brett Anderson, the starters have been impressive.
Houser’s first start
Houser’s first start was on July 27th against the Pirates. It almost didn’t happen. After starting the game, the Brewers and Pirates had a one hour and 42 minute rain delay. And while the Pirates went to the bullpen after the delay, Houser convinced the coaching staff to let him continue.
Houser ended with a solid 5 innings pitched and just one hit. Unfortunately, that one hit was a home run. But, Houser didn’t get the loss and the Brewers’ bats came alive late for the win.
Houser’s second start
Adrian Houser’s second start was nothing short of spectacular. He pitched a seven inning shutout, allowing five hits and two walks. He was only at 87 pitches before leaving the mound and collecting his first win of the year.
Houser could have easily gone out there for the eighth or had the possibility for a complete game, but the Brewers also needed a win. David Phelps pitched the eighth and Josh Hader closed out the ninth for a 1-0 win against the White Sox. If it was deeper into the season or a bigger lead, there is little doubt that Houser would have taken the mound in the eighth.
Brewers rotation
There is no telling how the rest of the 2020 season will go, but right now the Brewers might have a solid 1-2 punch the rest of the way. Woodruff is having another great season too. After three starts, Woody is 1-1 with a 2.08 ERA and 21 strikeouts.
Along with Lindblom, Burnes, Anderson and now Eric Lauer possibly emerging, if Milwaukee gets their bats going soon, they can do some real damage this year.
But for now, we can all be impressed with Adrian Houser’s 2020 start and future with the Brewers.
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