The Milwaukee Brewers seemingly every year are looking for batters at the trade deadline to help with their struggles against left-handed pitchers. Last summer they added right-handed hitter Mark Canha and later signed Josh Donaldson to a deal after he was released by the Yankees.
This year they again rank near the bottom in several offensive statistics against southpaws. With that being said a hitter with a career .455 slugging percentage was just designated for assignment. Should the Brewers consider pursuing him?
Where does the Milwaukee Brewers offense rank against left-handed pitchers?
At the time of this publication here is where the Brew Crew ranks when facing southpaws. Keep in mind that they have the second fewest at-bats against lefties, but this sample size still spans 472 at-bats.
- .231 batting average – 21st
- .308 on-base percentage – 19th
- .375 slugging percentage – 18th
- .683 on-base plus slugging percentage – 20th
- 109 hits – 29th
The Tampa Bay Rays recently DFA’d a hitter with a career .455 slugging percentage against left-handed pitchers.
29 year old Harold Ramirez has been designated for assignment by the Rays. Over the past two seasons he had slash lines of .300/.343/.404 and .313/.353/.460 but this year his offensive numbers have dropped to .268/.284/.305. As mentioned he historically hits southpaws well and this year still has a .310 batting average in those match ups.
Harold Ramirez is limited defensively and is primarily a designated hitter.
Throughout his MLB career Ramirez has logged defensive reps at the corner outfield positions as well as first base. However he is not a strong defender and is primarily a designated hitter. While the Brewers could use a right-handed hitting outfielder his defensive limitations may ultimately give Milwaukee pause when considering if they should pursue him or not.
Right now Harold Ramirez is on waivers. The Rays can explore trades for him or teams can submit a claim for him in which they would then be responsible for his $3.8 million salary. Should he clear waivers he can reject a minor league assignment in which at that time he would become a free agent.
