The Brewers’ official Twitter account announced some potentially impactful roster changes earlier today. We explain how these moves are shaking up the Brewers bullpen.
RHP Matt Bush placed on the 15-day injured list with right rotator cuff tendinitis.
RHP Javy Guerra designated for assignment.
RHP Jake Cousins recalled and LHP Alex Claudio selected from Triple-A Nashville. pic.twitter.com/n3wj5QxipL
— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) April 24, 2023
Brewers Bullpen Shakes Things Up
After a disappointing loss to the Red Sox in game 3 of a tied series Sunday afternoon, the two pitchers responsible for the 8th-inning collapse are now off the active roster. Matt Bush was placed on the 15-day IL due to rotator cuff tendinitis, and Javy Guerra was designated for assignment.
To replace those two, relief pitchers Jake Cousins and Alex Claudio were brought up. Cousins was recalled as he was already on the 40-man roster, but designating Guerra for assignment opened up a spot for Claudio, as he wasn’t initially a part of the 40.
Both had been down in AAA Nashville and are now back in the mix of the Brewers bullpen. Claudio pitched for the Brewers back in 2019 and 2020. He’s more of a depth arm than anything, but he doesn’t hurt himself with walks and allows the defense behind him to do their jobs.
Cousins has had a rough go at it so far in AAA but has 11 strikeouts to only 2 walks in 4.1 innings so far this season. He had been very impressive for the Brewers in small sample sizes over the last 2 years before getting hurt last season.
Overall, this doesn’t change the Brewers bullpen to much outside of bringing back some familiar faces. Cousins has plenty of upside but has struggled to miss bats since returning from injury. If he can find the form he has in 2021 and 2022, he’ll be another weapon for the bullpen.
For More Wisconsin Sports Content:
Follow me on Twitter at DrewEsports and us at WiSportsHeroics. To read more content and to stay up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here.