When the Milwaukee Brewers took a flyer on Erick Fedde late last month, it was hard to get excited. After a highly successful 2024 with the White Sox, Fedde struggled mightily this season and was let go by first St. Louis and then Atlanta. The Brewers picked him up coming off a 6-run, 11-hit shelling in his last start for the Braves. It seemed like a desperate move, and it was. With an injured, exhausted pitching staff, they simply needed innings.
Fast forward a month and Fedde has done one heck of a job. In seven appearances (no starts) covering 16 innings, the veteran righty has allowed only six earned runs on 11 hits, good for a 3.38 ERA. His 7 to 7 strikeout to walk ratio could improve, but still, he has what’s been asked and limited the damage.
In an unheralded role, Fedde has nonetheless played an important part steering Milwaukee into the playoffs as healthy as possible. From being dismissed by the Braves to contributing on a winner, it has been a stark turnaround. For Fedde, the change of scenery has brought other benefits as well.
Fedde revitalized by second chance with Brewers
Before arriving in Milwaukee, Fedde had a 5.76 ERA on the season, almost exclusively as a starter. That is the role he has held for his entire career; prior to his Brewers stint, he started 143 games in 158 career appearances.
His function has changed and so has his environment. After getting eight outs to hold down the fort in Milwaukee’s 3-1 win on Wednesday, he opened up on his experience in a postgame interview.
“I guess I didn’t really know what to expect,” Fedde said of his mindset upon signing with the Brewers. “I knew when I got the call I was going to make that long appearance that day. It’s just been one of those, trying to take whatever situation I can and make it my best opportunity.”
Fedde’s first outing in Milwaukee occurred the day they signed him. He provided four innings out of the bullpen and gave the Brewers a chance in what ended up being a 3-2 loss to Arizona.
“Obviously this team has had a long year. Guys are beat up. Any relief I can give them, and eat innings, and try to be successful at it is what I’mg going to do.”
The pitching situation has not gotten any easier to navigate. Starters Jose Quintana and Brandon Woodruff are hurt. Jacob Misiorowski is being considered for a move to the bullpen. There has been no word on Logan Henderson, who hit the 60-day injured list the same day the Brewers signed Fedde. Shelby Miller is done for the year and the team is still awaiting the return of closer Trevor Megill.
It has been brutal, but at 96-63, Brewers are in prime shape to capture the top seed in baseball, 2.5 games up on the Phillies with one more series to go.
Fedde is excited to hop aboard the pennant race. “Yeah, 100%. It’s the best clubhouse to be in in baseball. Lucky to be here. … So much positivity, with confidence. Everyone’s holding each other accountable. I think that comes from the top down, got these guys playing hard, playing smart. … just feels like it’s a well-run machine. Hooky [pitching coach Chris Hook] and the guys on the pitching staff have been great at getting me feeling right. Just happy to be here.”
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