The Milwaukee Brewers have been without their closer much longer than first expected when Trevor Megill hit the injured list back in late August. Initially scheduled to return on September 16, he had his return pushed back after failing to progress as hoped. Then manager Pat Murphy really got the alarm bells ringing by hinting that the Brewers might need to prepare for postseason play without him. What seemed unlikely now faced fans as an increasingly plausible reality.
The latest update suggests that Megill may be trending toward an outcome on the positive end of the spectrum. According to beat reporters Adam McCalvy and Todd Rosiak, Megill is gung-ho about re-taking the mound before the end of the regular season.
Megill itching to get back in the game
Via McCalvy, of MLB.com:
“A much better report today from Trevor Megill after a multi ‘inning’ bullpen session. He’s graduated from ‘decent’ to ‘way more decent’ and, provided he recovers well, is on track to face hitters Friday and potentially pitch Sunday vs. Cincinnati.”
And Rosiak (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel):
“Encouraging news from Trevor Megill, who just completed a 32-pitch bullpen with one ‘up.’ Felt better than last time, sat 95-96. Plan is a live BP Friday, then pitching against the Reds on Sunday. ‘100 % have to’ pitch to at least one batter on Sunday, Megill said.”
There are positive implications in both reports. It’s very encouraging to hear that Megill is making substantial, tangible progress, including a possible return date. When he had his earlier setback, he just didn’t feel right. Based on McCalvy’s information, he is apparently feeling much better.
In addition, his bullish attitude on returning to live action before the season wraps up is a promising development for Brewers backers. The team might adopt a more cautious outlook to avoid aggravating the injury – an elbow flexor strain – but on the whole, the outlook appears a lot more hopeful than last week’s deflating news. From Megill’s perspective, it is also true that dipping his toes back, even if just a batter or two, could help get him geared up for the postseason.
Megill last pitched on August 24, so if he doesn’t pitch again in September, it will be about six weeks between then and his first shot in the Division Round. Talk about coming in cold. Obviously, foresight and Megill’s health should be the guiding factors, but if he feels ready, Murphy shouldn’t think twice about giving him a handful of pitches on Sunday.
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