The Milwaukee Brewers should be the talk of just about any national media market that covers Major League Baseball. At 34-23, they are in first place in the National League Central Division, and are the only team within their division with a winning record and positive run differential. Prior to the season, many national analysts and reporters believed they would finish third, at best, in the central.
It is understandable why they would think so. Craig Counsell, the winningest manager in franchise history, bolted for the rival Chicago Cubs. Milwaukee also traded ace Corbin Burnes to the Baltimore Orioles and face the prospect of Brandon Woodruff not being able to pitch in 2024.
Yet, Milwaukee got off to a good start and have led their division for most of the year thus far. Holding onto their lead has been a difficult battle as numerous pitchers have gone down with injuries. Of the five starting pitchers that the Brewers had in their rotation on Opening Day, three of them (DL Hall, Joe Ross, and Jakob Junis) are on the injured list. Additionally, Wade Miley, who started the season on IL, is now out for the season due to needing Tommy John surgery.
In order to fill their rotation, Milwaukee has had to rely on the contributions of two rookie starters and Bryse Wilson.
The Milwaukee Brewers Have Been Relying on Tobias Myers, Robert Gasser, and Bryse Wilson
When the season first began, Wilson was sent to the bullpen where he would serve as a long-relief pitcher. This was a role that he held last season, and he experienced great success. In 2023, he was 6-0 with a 2.58 ERA in 53 appearances (no starts). He also had three saves.
This year, he has made 14 appearances, seven of them being starts. He is 3-1 with a 3.19 ERA thus far.
Milwaukee has also had to rely on two rookie starting pitchers: Tobias Myers and Robert Gasser. Of the two, Gasser is having the better season, by far. He is 2-0 with a 1.96 ERA in four starts and seems to be making history every time he takes the mound.
Myers, however, has struggled. His last start was on Friday night when the Brewers defeated the Chicago White Sox 12-5. Myers, however, was unable to pitch through the fifth inning.
The Milwaukee Brewers Have Sent Tobias Myers to Triple-A
Myers pitched four and one-third of an inning on Friday night, giving up five runs on seven hits. In seven games (six starts) for Milwaukee this season, Myers is 1-2 with a 5.40 ERA. He has also given up seven home runs.
Prior to first pitch against the White Sox on Saturday, Milwaukee announced that Myers was being sent back down to Triple-A Nashville. They also recalled right-handed pitcher Janson Junk.
RHP Janson Junk recalled from Triple-A Nashville.
RHP Tobias Myers optioned to Triple-A Nashville. pic.twitter.com/hQ3vl17808
— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) June 1, 2024
Junk was up with Milwaukee earlier this season, but had a 9.00 ERA in three appearances. He is 2-3 with a 3.97 ERA in eight games (three starts) down in Nashville.
It is possible that this is just a temporary move to give the Brewers an extra arm in their bullpen. Since Myers is not going to pitch today anyway, sending him down and recalling Junk gives them a bit of a boost. The bullpen had to cover four and two-thirds innings on Friday.
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!
