The Milwaukee Brewers are 26-17 and in first place in the National League Central Division. They are coming off of a seven-game home stand that saw them go 5-2 against the St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates. Milwaukee currently holds a one-and-a-half game lead over the Chicago Cubs for the division lead. The Pirates are seven-and-a-half games back while the Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds are eight games back.
The series against Pittsburgh was interesting because it saw Milwaukee play against several of their former players. Of course, Andrew McCutchen spent one season with the Brewers before going back home to finish his career in Pittsburgh. He won the NL MVP Award in 2013 and made five-straight All-Star teams with them from 2011-2015.
Former Brewers Rowdy Tellez and Yasmani Grandal also appeared in the series for the Pirates against their former team. Tellez is currently hitting .176/.250/.231 with a home run and eight RBI while Grandal is hitting .200/.231/.481 with two home runs and five RBI.
Recently, it was reported that another former Brewer in the Pirates’ minor league system was just released.
The Pittsburgh Pirates Released Former Milwaukee Brewers Pitcher Eric Lauer
Earlier today, it was reported that former Brewers left-handed starting pitcher Eric Lauer had requested and been granted his released from the Pirates.
Pittsburgh had signed Lauer to a minor league contract this past offseason after Milwaukee non-tendered him. In eight games (six starts) for the Pirates’ Triple-A team in Indianapolis, he was 2-2 with a 5.52 ERA and 1.43 WHIP.
Lauer hand an opt out clause in his contract, and he decided to exercise after not being promoted to the Pirates’ Major League team now over 40 games into the season.
He is now a free agent and can sign with any team.
The Milwaukee Brewers Originally Acquired Eric Lauer and Luis Urias in a Trade with the San Diego Padres
Lauer and former fan-favorite infielder Luis Urias were originally acquired by the Brewers in a trade with the San Diego Padres for right-handed pitcher Zach Davies and outfielder Trent Grisham.
Urias, of course, now plays for the Seattle Mariners after the Brewers traded him to the Boston Red Sox last season.
In four seasons with Milwaukee, Lauer was 22-20 with a 4.22 ERA and 1.29 WHIP. Unfortunately, Lauer struggled staying healthy during his tenure with the Brewers.
In 2021, he was 7-5 with a 3.19 ERA, but only made 20 starts. The next year, he was able to make 29 starts and finished with 11-7 record and 3.69 ERA.
Last season, however, Lauer battled shoulder and elbow issues and his performance on the mound reflected the fact that he was not 100%. He started nine games (pitched in 10), and finished 4-6 with a 6.56 ERA and 1.67 WHIP.
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19 and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here!
