Milwaukee Brewers acquire Jake Thompson
With the bullpen struggling lately, the Milwaukee Brewers have acquired a reliever from the Phillies.
The Milwaukee Brewers and Philadelphia Phillies have agreed to deal involving pitcher Jake Thompson. The former highly touted prospect found himself designated for assignment over the weekend amid his struggles in Philadelphia.
Milwaukee will surrender cash in exchange for Thompson’s services. The right-hander has seen consistent MLB action over the past three seasons and has done little to inspire any faith.
He has a career 4.84 earned run average and a 1.27 strikeout to walk ratio in 30 games pitched for Philly. Thompson has started 18 uninspiring games during his career before being shifted to the bullpen.
Thompson has a 4.96 earned run average in nine games pitched in MLB during this season. He has 14 strikeouts with a whopping 11 walks in just 16 1/3 innings pitched. He didn’t fare much better in the Minor Leagues this season.
More from Milwaukee Brewers
- Milwaukee Brewers missed opportunity to take control of the NL Central
- Milwaukee Brewers pitching faces tough schedule ahead
- Trade Deadline: Pirates, Cardinals, and Cubs for sale: Brewers, Reds wish list
- Grading Matt Arnold and the Milwaukee Brewers front office at the midway point of the season
- Reds, Pirates, Brewers, Cardinals, Cubs: The good, bad, and injured
The former second round pick has a 4.60 earned run average in 28 games this season. He has 49 strikeouts through 47 innings pitched. However, Thompson also has 26 walks and has surrendered 24 earned runs. The chances of him making an impact are slim but maybe the change in scenery is exactly what he needs.
Why the Brewers made this move
The Milwaukee Brewers bullpen has struggled as a whole over the last few weeks. Matt Albers has been ineffective since early July and is currently on the disabled list. Corey Knebel has struggled to find his All-Star form from last season and isn’t closing games at the moment.
Josh Hader and Jeremy Jeffress have been lights out for Milwaukee all season but they need help in the later innings. While Thompson won’t help in the later innings, he could be a useful piece when the starter struggles to make it through five innings.
Thompson is still just 24-years-old and there is plenty of time for him to put things together in MLB. Brewers pitching coach Derek Johnson has had a lot of success getting the most out of this pitching staff during his time with The Crew and Thompson could benefit from his tutelage.
Next. A look at the Brewers Top-10 prospects. dark
Although Thompson has been ticketed for Triple-A, he’ll have a chance to contribute with the Big League club. Milwaukee is in a tight race for the NL Central crown and the bullpen will crucial if this team is going to make a playoff run. Here’s to hoping Thompson shines when he’s given his opportunity in Brew Town.