Don’t let the continuing MLB lockout stop you from keeping up with the Crew. Our 2021 Brewers season report card series continues with pitcher Jake Cousins.
After attending Spring Training with the Brewers, Cousins started the 2021 season in the minors. He played with both the AA Biloxi Shuckers and the AAA Nashville Sounds earlier in the season. The Brewers called Cousins up to the Majors on June 21 and he made his debut that same day against the Arizona Diamondbacks, where he pitched two relief innings.
Interestingly enough, Cousins’ recent stint with Milwaukee and the Brewers’ MiLB affiliates is his second time around in the MLB system. Cousins was drafted out of college in 2017 by the Washington Nationals and spent just shy of two years in their system before being released. Before returning to the MLB, he spent time playing Independent ball in the Frontier League and the American Association.
By the Numbers
Cousins, like much of the Brewers’ roster this season, battled injuries and COVID and spent some time on the 10-Day Injured List, as well as a short rehab stint in AAA Nashville. He ended 2021 with a 2.70 ERA across 30 innings pitched. It took 18 Major League games before Cousins gave up a run, on August 20 vs. Washington.
While he started off hot, he did cool down towards the end of the season, with an ERA of 10.50 across his last seven appearances and 5.79 across his last 15. In September, Cousins gave up seven runs in as many innings. In his few October appearances, Cousins appeared to return to his mid-summer form until the Brewers postseason came to its unceremonious end.
2021 Season Grade: B+
Known to many as the cousin of Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins, Jake quickly made a name for himself. This is no easy feat in the Brewers’ loaded 2021 rotation, but his “nasty” slider quickly established him as a force to be reckoned with.
Jake Cousins, Filthy 83mph Back Foot Slider. 😷 pic.twitter.com/GPZOu90LGn
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) July 21, 2021
2022 and Beyond
Jake Cousins had an excellent first season in the Majors. Once the 2022 season starts, he’s expected to rejoin the Brewers’ star-studded bullpen in a similar role to last year. The 27-year-old won’t be a free agent until 2028. However, the current MLB lockout has inhibited Cousins’ and the Brewers’ contract discussions for the upcoming season.
For More Wisconsin Sports Content:
Check out the rest of our Brewers’ season report cards this season here.
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