To begin the 2022 season, MLB teams have been allowed to carry 28 players on their active roster. This came about due to a shortened spring training and increased concern for player health. However, this change was meant to be temporary. Starting May 2, teams will have to decrease their rosters to 26.
Along with losing two players on the active roster, their are certain contingencies teams must meet. For example, there is a maximum number of pitchers that can be on the roster. Initially this number was set at 13. However, it was recently announced that the cap will now be 14 until at least the end of May.
By agreement between @MLB and the @MLBPA as the parties monitor player health, the maximum of 13-pitchers on Active Rosters set to begin on May 2nd will instead go into effect on May 30th; a 14-pitcher maximum will be in place from May 2nd-29th.
— MLB Communications (@MLB_PR) April 26, 2022
To start 2022, the Brewers have been carrying 15 pitchers. Per the 14 pitcher maximum rule, this means at least one of the two roster moves will have to include losing a pitcher. They could elect to take two pitchers off the active roster or they could take one pitcher and one position player.
Here we will take a look at which Brewers are in danger of losing their roster spot.
Pitchers
Jose Urena is one pitcher who may lose his roster spot. He was signed late in the spring and has not yet found his groove with Milwaukee. In 7.2 innings of work he has surrendered seven hits and issued five base on balls. Urena does not have the ability to be optioned to the minor leagues unprotected. Rather, he will have to pass through waivers if the Brewers do decide to take him off the major league roster and desire to keep him in the organization.
Another option to consider is Jake Cousins. Cousins surprised many people last year as he emerged as a trusted bullpen arm. In 2022, he is struggling mightily with command of his slider and has already accumulated four wild pitches. He does have all three minor league options intact.
To a lesser extent than Urena and Cousins, left handed pitcher Hoby Milner and right hander Jandel Gustave both could be considered as well. Neither pitcher is working in a high leverage role. They each have one minor league option remaining.
Position Players
Despite a great spring training, Keston Hiura may be on the way out come May 2. Manager Craig Counsell has been trying to use him in a platoon role at first base, but he unfortunately is not hitting left handed pitchers well. This year he has just a .167 batting average and 21 wRC+ against when facing southpaws.
Of the remaining position players, it is possible that Jace Peterson or Mike Brosseau could lose their spot. With Luis Urias still on the mend, Peterson and Brosseau have been platooning at third base. Unfortunately neither one has excelled. Peterson is optionless whereas Brosseau has two remaining. It would be surprising to see one of them lose their spot by May 2. More than likely one of them will be moved once Urias returns from injury.
It will be interesting to see which direction the Brewers roster goes by May 2 and which players initially lose their spot.
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