There are plenty of trade rumors involving the Milwaukee Brewers acquiring another starter. Whether or not these rumors come to fruition is, in my opinion, of no consequence. This is because All-Star pitcher Freddy Peralta has been activated from the 60-day IL. He is re-joining the team in Pittsburgh, though his next start has not been determined yet. Adam McCalvy posted the news on Twitter:
Freddy Peralta is rejoining the Brewers in Pittsburgh and his next outing will be in the big leagues. The day is TBD.
— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) July 31, 2022
At the time of his injury, Peralta was 3-2 with a 4.42 ERA and 1.19 WHIP. He had struck out 50 batters in 38.2 innings pitched.
Is There Still a Need for Another Starter?
The Brewers have currently been using a four-man rotation as the schedule has allowed them to do so with scheduled days off. Corbin Burnes, Brandon Woodruff, Eric Lauer, and Aaron Ashby have been the four starters used. Peralta coming back to the mix gives them five. During his rehab with Triple-A Nashville, Peralta was 0-0 with a 1.69 ERA and 0.94 WHIP in 5.1 innings pitched.
In addition to Peralta, Adrian Houser is expected to come back at some point this season. Houser was 4-8 with a 4.72 ERA and 1.48 WHIP before going on IL with a flexor strain. When he is due back has not been determined.
Therefore, the question as to whether or not the Brewers may want to trade for another starter is entirely up to the front office and Craig Counsell. Earlier in the season, the Brewers were using a six-man rotation. However, as we all know, the Playoffs are an entirely different animal when it comes to starting pitching. Burnes, Woodruff, Peralta, and Lauer are easily all good enough to start in a seven-game series. It is hard to imagine the Brewers acquiring anyone better than any of those four by the trade deadline.
Of course, the Brewers may still look into it, and an extra arm may help carry them to the division title and a Playoff berth. Jon Heyman did recently Tweet that Guardians starter Zach Plesac is on the trading block, and the Brewers are one of the teams seeking a starting pitcher:
Guardians SP Zach Plesac is on radar of Phillies, who seek starter, CF and presumably pen. Other contenders seeking a SP: Yankees, White Sox, Twins, Cardinals, Dodgers, Jays, Brewers, Mariners (yep, most)
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 29, 2022
Plesac is currently 2-9 with a 4.33 ERA and 1.29 WHIP. His uncle, Dan Plesac, is the Brewers franchise leader in career saves (at least for now; Josh Hader is approaching that mark.).
To Read More Brewers News, Click Here!
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19 and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here! Also, check out our merch store for some amazing WSH merchandise!