The Milwaukee Brewers entered spring training this year without a primary third baseman. Although they acquired infielder Joey Ortiz via trade they did not directly address the position by bringing in someone who will play the position day in and day out.
As players reported to spring training guys outside of Ortiz who figured to factor into the third base mix included Andruw Monasterio, Owen Miller, Oliver Dunn, Vinny Capra, and prospect Tyler Black. Shortly into camp a report surfaced that outfielder Sal Frelick had learned to play infield by training with Boston Red Sox legend Dustin Pedroia.
Now that Opening Day is one week away a massive development has emerged regarding how the third base picture will look.
Sal Frelick is expected to be the Milwaukee Brewers primary third baseman against right-handed pitchers.
In an article from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that was written by Curt Hogg a sentence from him reveals that Sal Frelick playing third base was not just a spring training experiment. Heading into the regular season he actually is believed to be the primary option when facing right-handed pitchers.
“It sure seems like the Brewers are intent on (Sal) Frelick being the primary third baseman against righties.”
-Curt Hogg
Why would Sal Frelick be the primary option against right-handed pitchers? Who may get the nod against left-handed pitchers?
Frelick, a right-handed thrower but left-handed batter, would allow Pat Murphy to play match ups by starting at third base. Against righties this would allow his left-handed hitting teammates Garrett Mitchell and Christian Yelich to play in the grass alongside Jackson Chourio or Joey Wiemer while also keeping the designated hitter spot open.
When a southpaw is on the mound Hogg makes it sound likely that Murphy will turn to a right-handed hitter to play third base. Joey Ortiz and Andruw Monasterio are two likely options. If match ups continue to get played then it is possible that Frelick could get spelled to the bench at times during these match ups.
What are the implications of Sal Frelick being a primary third baseman?
If Frelick is an effective primary third baseman from both an offensive and defense perspective the long term implication is that the outfield suddenly becomes less crowded, but playing time elsewhere in the infield may be hard to come by.
As long as Willy Adames is in a Brewers uniform he will have shortstop locked down. Additionally Rhys Hoskins and Jake Bauers are locks at first base. This leaves second base as the only other position up for grabs in which the competition could be fierce between Brice Turang, Ortiz, and others.
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