Spring training is a great time for optimism in the baseball world. This year, major league ball players are unable to report to camp due to the ongoing lockout. However, minor league players are beginning their preparations for the season. With this new headlines and stories emerge, one of which revolves around pitching prospect Zack Brown.
Brown, now 27 years old, was the Brewers 2018 MiLB pitcher of the year. That year he made 22 starts in the minors and finished with a 2.40 ERA. In 2019, he battled inflammation and discomfort in his shoulder. The result was a 5.79 ERA at the AAA level.
After regrouping following the lost minor league season in 2020, Brown came back as reliever in the minor leagues in 2021. Results were mixed as he was adjusting to pitching multiple days in a row and throwing more breaking balls. He finished 2021 with a 3.67 ERA in 27 innings pitched.
Browns message upon reporting to build-up camp this year was “It’s time to go”.
Former Brewers MiLB pitcher of the year Zack Brown has been knocked down the last three seasons, but he has a new role — reliever — and a positive outlook. “It’s time to go,” Brown said. https://t.co/tNimldxMZc
— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) February 28, 2022
As the roster stands today, the Brewers have openings in their bullpen. Key pieces in Josh Hader, Devin Williams, Jake Cousins, and Brent Suter are all returning. However, they did lose Hunter Strickland and Brad Boxberger. It will be up to Brown to prove his worth while competing against Aaron Ashby and other prospects for some time in the bullpen.
Brown will be one player to keep your eye on and root for once spring training games begin. However, even if he does not perform well during that timeframe, he will be someone to monitor as the minor league season progresses. There is a high likelihood that at some point in 2022 he makes his much anticipated major league debut.
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