On Tuesday March 23 Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell led the Brew Crew to a 4-2 win over the San Diego Padres during a Cactus League spring training game. This may have appeared as “just another game” to get players ready for the regular season, but following the win Craig Counsell surprisingly mentioned two pitchers who they are interested in and are keeping their eye on.
Craig Counsell names Ryan Middendorf and Justin Yeager as two players that they are interested in and are keeping their eye on.
Counsell brought up Ryan Middendorf and Justin Yeager, who threw scoreless innings today.
“The last two guys are guys who, I don’t know what level they’re starting at exactly, but they’re certainly guys we have our eye on and have been noticing all spring and are interested in.”
— Curt Hogg (@CyrtHogg) March 23, 2023
Ryan Middendorf, who has been one of several players signed from the Schamburg Boomeres over recent years, joined the team in June of 2022. Prior to that he had spent two seasons in the Frontier League, but also has experience dating back to 2017 playing for the Lake Erie Storm in the NCAA, the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League, and Northwoods League
With the Brewers last year, the 25 year old pitched 42.1 innings across four minor league levels spanning from the Rookie League to Double-A. Overall the reliever pitched to a 2.32 ERA and struck out 61 batters. He didn’t pitch very long at any Minor League level, so it will be interesting to see where Milwaukee plugs him in to begin with.
Justin Yeager, who was acquired during the three team trade that landed the Brewers William Contreras, is new to Milwaukee this year. In the Atlanta Braves system last year he pitched 40.1 innings in relief at their Double-A affiliate. He finished the season with a 3.78 ERA, 54 strikeouts, six holds, and six saves.
On the mound, Yeager brings consistent 97-99 MPH heat but can struggle with command at times. As evidenced by his statistics mentioned above, when he is right he is quite good at generating strikeouts. He was passed on by every team in this year’s Rule-5 draft, so it’s possible that the Brewers will want to see what he can do against Triple-A hitters to start the season.
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FAQs
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When Did the Brewers Come to Milwaukee?
The Brewers were founded in 1969 as the Seattle Pilots as part of the American League (AL). After one season, the team relocated to Milwaukee. The Brewers joined the National League (NL) in 1998.
How Did the Brewers Get Their Name?
The Brewers’ name dates back to the early 1900s, originally held by a professional franchise that relocated to become the St. Louis Browns. It honors the beer-brewing industry in and around Milwaukee.
Will the Brewers Win the 2023 World Series?
Sportsbooks have the Brewers at 4000-1 to win the World Series. This is the 14th-best odds among MLB teams. It’s not impossible with players like Christian Yelich, but the odds aren’t in their favor.
