MLB’s hottest team at the moment is the Milwaukee Brewers, who have won eight games in a row. While the offense has been terribly inconsistent for most of the season, the team has been able to put up a lot of runs over the last four games. It seems as if the offense is finally clicking when it means the most.
Fortunately for the Brewers, their starting rotation and bullpen have been among the best in baseball all season long. While the offense took months to find its footing (and who knows if this hot streak will last?) the pitching has carried the team into first place in the National League Central Division.
Unfortunately, that starting rotation took a hit on Monday when Adrian Houser was placed on the 15-day IL. JB Bukauskas has been recalled from Nashville to take his place on the roster.
RHP Adrian Houser placed on the 15-day injured list with right elbow effusion.
RHP JB Bukauskas recalled from Triple-A Nashville. pic.twitter.com/2zzvCN1xWN
— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) August 28, 2023
The Milwaukee Brewers Lose Adrian Houser at a Crucial Time in the MLB Season
The Brewers, winners of eight straight games, currently have a four game lead in the NL Central over the Chicago Cubs. Milwaukee and Chicago begin a crucial three-game series in Chicago on Monday night.
Brandon Woodruff has recently returned to the team after suffering a shoulder injury that kept him out for most of the year. With him, Corbin Burnes, Freddy Peralta, and Wade Miley, Milwaukee’s starting rotation is a formidable one. It will be difficult for any team to score runs off of them in the Playoffs.
However, first the Brewers need to make the Playoffs, and keeping their starters healthy and rested will be important in the home stretch of the regular season. That is why the loss of Houser right now is such a blow.
JB Bukauskas has already spent some time with the Brewers earlier this year, but has only pitched two innings in two appearances. Down in Nashville, he is 3-2 with a 3.45 ERA in 27 appearances (no starts).
The big question is who will make Houser’s next schedule start. He was scheduled to start this upcoming Saturday at home against the Philadelphia Phillies. Julio Teheran is scheduled to pitch in Nashville on Wednesday, so if he makes that start he will not get the call.
Aaron Ashby will begin a rehab assignment soon, but there is no ready he will be ready by Saturday. That leaves another minor league option (like Robert Gasser) or a bullpen day.
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