The Milwaukee Brewers have a retooled bullpen when compared to the 2022 season. Missing from last year’s squad are relievers like Josh Hader, Brad Boxberger, Brent Suter, Taylor Rogers, Trevor Gott, Justin Topa, and others. This has opened the door for other pitchers like Bryse Wilson, Elvis Peguero, and Joel Payamps.
Out of the three mentioned newcomers to the bullpen Brewers manager Craig Counsell believes that one of them is having an All-Star caliber type season. He announced this after Milwaukee’s series finale win against the Chicago Cubs.
Craig Counsell on Joel Payamps: “He’s having a great year. Really, he’s having an all-star caliber year.”
— Curt Hogg (@CyrtHogg) July 6, 2023
Milwaukee Brewers: Is Joel Payamps is having an All-Star Caliber type season?
Joel Payamps was acquired via trade in the offseason during the three team deal that also landed the Brewers catcher William Contreras and minor league reliever Justin Yeager. In his first year with Milwaukee Joel Payamps has earned the trust of Craig Counsell as one of his high leverage arms and is often the bridge to Devin Williams.
His season stats so far include a 1.96 ERA in 41.1 innings pitched. He has struck out 45 batters and has a WHIP of 0.99. His 9.82 K:9 ratio is a career high as well as his 88.9% left on base percentage. With pitching in high leverage spots he has 15 holds on the year and two saves.
National League relievers elected to the 2023 All-Star Game include RHP: Alexis Díaz, Josh Hader, Devin Williams, Camilo Doval, and David Bednar. All five of these are closing pitchers.
It’s uncommon for set up men to be nominated to All-Star games, but it is nice to see Joel Payamps getting praise from his manager. He has been a very important part of the bullpen this year.