The Milwaukee Brewers are tied with Craig Counsell‘s Chicago Cubs for first place in the National League Central Division despite losing being just 4-6 in their last ten games. The offense, dominated by young players, has started to struggle. Additionally, the starting pitching, which was a question mark going into the season, remains a concern.
Freddy Peralta has, overall, pitched very well this season (outside of his six-walk performance in his previous start. Colin Rea has been reliable as well. However, Joe Ross has been inconsistent, DL Hall struggled before his injury, and other starters have been struck by the injury bug.
The Milwaukee Brewers Have Experienced a Plethora of Injuries to Their Starting Rotation
Even before the 2023 season ended, the Brewers knew it was unlikely that All-Star right-hander Brandon Woodruff would be able to pitch in 2024. His shoulder injury, which required surgery, would keep him shelved until 2025. This led to him being non-tendered, but then re-signed to a two-year deal later in the offseason. Still, he is not going to pitch in 2024.
Wade Miley battled a slew of injuries in his return to Milwaukee after a solid 2023 season that saw him go 9-4 with a 3.14 ERA in 23 starts. Unfortunately, he is now out for the year as an elbow injury requires him to have Tommy John surgery. His career, in fact, may be over at this point.
Jakob Junis, who was signed this offseason, was put on the injured list after just one start. As his rehab started to trend in the right direction, he was hit in the head by a flyball during batting practice prior to a Brewers’ game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
To further complicate the issues with starting pitching depth, Peralta has been suspended for five games for hitting Tampa Bay Rays hitter Jose Siri.
All of these factors have led the Brewers to rely on young pitchers and long relievers to pitch in spot starts. With Peralta missing his next turn in the rotation, Milwaukee has decided to give one of their highest rated prospects the opportunity to make his Major League debut.
Robert Gasser Is Expected to Pitch for the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday Night
The Brewers are starting a four-game home series against the division rival St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday night. Tobias Myers, a rookie who made his Major League debut with Milwaukee earlier this season, is starting the first game.
According to Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Brewers number-five overall prospect Robert Gasser is going to start the second game:
Here’s a little prospect nugget: Robert Gasser is expected to be called up to make tomorrow’s start for the Brewers. It will be his MLB debut.
— Curt Hogg (@CyrtHogg) May 9, 2024
Gasser, who started the season on IL himself, is currently 0-1 with a 5.25 ERA in three starts with Triple-A Nashville. Last season, however, he was 9-1 with a 3.79 ERA in 26 games (25 starts). He also threw a complete game last season.
Gasser, as fans may remember, was originally acquired by the Brewers in the Josh Hader trade.
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