The Milwaukee Brewers are coming off of a series loss on the road to the Houston Astros, but remain in first place in the National League Central Division. They lead the Chicago Cubs by two games, the Pittsburgh Pirates by six, the St. Louis Cardinals by seven, and the Cincinnati Reds by eight-and-a-half.
Milwaukee has been able to capture and maintain first place in their division despite a plethora of injuries, especially to their starting rotation. Before the season even began, Corbin Burnes was traded to the Baltimore Orioles and Brandon Woodruff was ruled out for the season.
Since then, Wade Miley has suffered two separate injuries, the latest of which will require Tommy John surgery. Additionally, DL Hall and Jakob Junis have both missed extended periods of time with injuries. To replace them in the rotation, the Brewers have relied on rookies Tobias Myers and Robert Gasser. Long reliever Bryse Wilson has also become a regular fixture in the rotation.
With the rotation still thin on the road trip, Milwaukee may be turning to another rookie, this one from down in Double-A.
The Milwaukee Brewers Have Called Up Right-Handed Starter Bradley Blalock from Double-A
Earlier today, the Brewers announced a series of roster moves ahead of their series against the Miami Marlins. Outfielder Joey Wiemer was reinstated from the 10-Day IL and outfielder Chris Roller was sent back to Triple-A Nashville.
Additionally, the Brewers designated Thyago Vieria for assignment. To replace him, they called up right-handed starting pitcher Bradley Blalock from Double-A Biloxi, which is closer to Miami than Nashville.
OF Joey Wiemer reinstated from the 10-day injured list.
RHP Bradley Blalock recalled from Double-A Biloxi.
OF Chris Roller optioned to Triple-A Nashville.
RHP Thyago Vieira designated for assignment. pic.twitter.com/AjEnlarUkv
— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) May 20, 2024
Geography, though, may not be the only reason Blalock was called up. In seven starts this season, he is 3-1 with a 2.27 ERA and 1.04 WHIP. He is not a strikeout pitcher, relying instead on groundballs and soft contact to get outs. He only has 29 strikeouts in 35.2 innings pitched. However, he has decent control of his pitches and has only allowed seven walks all season.
Blalock was originally acquired by the Brewers at the trade deadline last year in exchange for Luis Urias.
The Milwaukee Brewers Will Hope Joey Wiemer Can Bounce Back
Joey Wiemer struggled at the plate last season as a rookie, and unfortunately those struggles continued in 2024. Failing to make the Opening Day roster again, he was recalled when Christian Yelich went down with a back injury. However, Wiemer has provided little production at the plate, hitting .173/.208/.174 in 16 games with Milwaukee this season.
Unfortunately, he was not hitting much better when he was with the Nashville Sounds either. In 16 games with Triple-A, Wiemer was hitting .200/.304/.317 with a home run and six RBI.
Milwaukee has a crowded infield with Yelich, Blake Perkins, Sal Frelick, and Jackson Chourio. Additionally, Garrett Mitchell could return from the IL himself soon, which will create finding at bats for Wiemer even more difficult.
He is likely destined for another demotion again soon.
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