In 2019 the Milwaukee Brewers selected left-handed starting pitching prospect Ethan Small with the 28th selection in the MLB draft. The Mississippi State product quickly impressed in the minor leagues, but he ended up having a tough 2022 season at Triple-A Nashville as well as in limited big league opportunities.
Command was a big issue for Ethan Small in 2022. He walked 58 batters in 103 innings pitched for the Sounds and he saw his ERA inflate to 4.46. During spring training he talked about those struggles and how he fought mechanical, mental, and confidence issues. His transition into the bullpen was also a topic of conversation.
The Brewers plan for Ethan Small this year was a full transition into the bullpen. That has held true as so far he has been used in both single and multi inning situations. Fortunately, he is seeing success again on the mound.
To begin the 2023 season Milwaukee Brewers pitching prospect Ethan Small is making some headway and appears to be returning to form.
Through nine appearances and 13.1 innings pitched Ethan Small has pitched to a 2.70 ERA with 21 strikeouts. His walk numbers are down and currently sit at seven. He’s additionally collected one save and one hold for the Sounds.
On the mound, his changeup appears to be back. Per Nashville Sounds play-by-play announcer Jeff Hem, Small recently had a three inning outing where batters whiffed on 50% of changeups and his strike percentage was 73.
Out of 15 change-ups tonight: 73% strike percentage and 50% whiff rate. And many of the whiffs were awkward swings. Fun to watch. https://t.co/OJHw8YIn9N
— Jeff Hem 🗣🎙🎧 (@JeffHemPBP) May 4, 2023
The Milwaukee Brewers left-handed relief pitching depth is thin, so if Ethan Small can continue to perform well he could earn a promotion to the big leagues.
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