Milwaukee Brewers Gio Gonzalez filling role he was acquired for

The Milwaukee Brewers are handing the ball to Gio Gonzalez for Game One of the NLDS. This is exactly what he was brought in for.

As the Milwaukee Brewers were battling for a playoff spot, one of the chief concerns was that the team did not have enough starting pitching. The bullpen was excellent, and the front office had fortified the lineup, but the hoped for upgrade that was the expected return of Jimmy Nelson just did not happen. Once that was apparent, the Brewers acquired Gio Gonzalez from the Washington Nationals just before the August 31 waiver trade deadline.

On Friday, Gonzalez will fulfill his destiny with the Brewers. Brought in to be their staff ace as they look to bring home their first championship, Gonzalez will be handed the ball for Game One of the NLCS, fulfilling his destiny with Milwaukee.

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Gonzalez certainly looked the part after being acquired by Milwaukee. Although he made just five starts, Gonzalez posted a 3-0 record, along with a 2.13 ERA and a 0.947 WHiP. These numbers were far better than he was with the Nationals earlier in the year. During his time in Washington, Gonzalez had a 7-11 record, along with a 4.57 ERA and a 1.531 WHiP.

As he is set to face off against Clayton Kershaw in Game One, the Brewers will need Gonzalez to continue to be the version they had in September. He has had a long layoff, making his last appearance on September 30, and having not been used during the NLDS against the Rockies. Will he be ready for the challenge, or will this hiatus leave Gonzalez rusty?

The answer to that question may well determine the Brewers fate. Gonzalez was brought in to be the staff ace, the top of the rotation arm to lead Milwaukee to their first World Series since 1982. This is the job he was brought in for – now it is time for Gonzalez to prove the Brewers front office correct.

Gio Gonzalez is getting the ball for the Milwaukee Brewers in Game One of the NLDS. It is time that he fulfills his destiny.