The Brewers have several things going for them in 2019 and one is the collection of young starting pitchers. But are they ready for MLB work every five days?
This group of young pitchers includes Freddy Peralta, Corbin Burnes, and Brandon Woodruff. And, if Councell chooses to have bullpen days, could Hader start some games in 2019?
Peralta will be all of 22 years old when the season starts. In 2018, he got his call-up when Anderson was put on the DL in May due problems he attributed to food poisoning. Peralta saw starts in June, July, and August. He had a few hiccups along the way, but he was chosen to be on the roster in the playoffs – unlike Anderson.
Peralta may not be lightening fast, but he’s got enough to be in the rotation. According to Fangraphs, his fastball averages 90.8 MPH and the majority of hit pitches end up as fly balls. With the Brewers outfield, this is not a problem. He does need to bring down his walks-per-nine, which is well over four. But, he’s got time. If he can continue to do what he’s done, a middle or bottom of the rotation spot could be his.
Burnes is another interesting young arm. He’s 24 and has only been used out of the pen by Counsell. But, in the minor leagues, he worked as a starter. In 30 innings, he pitched an impressive ERA of 2.61. If Counsell does not want to use him as a traditional starter, he could be a real asset on bullpen games.
Burnes has more speed on his fastball, which averaged 95.3 according to Fangraphs. His walks-per-nine was only 2.61 and his BABIP was an impressive .232.
Then, there’s Woodruff, who has played a few different roles with the team. He got his first callup in 2017 where he had eight starts and pitched 43 innings. Then, in 2018, he only had four starts and was eventually just used out of the pen. His 2018 season included 42.1 innings and he had an ERA that was a run better than his numbers in 2017.
Woodruff is best known outside of Wisconsin for his bat in the post-season. In Game 1 of the NLDS, he teed off on Clayton Kershaw tying the game. Not only did he hit one of the most memorable home runs in the 2018 playoffs that day, he also got the win after facing six batters in the third and fourth innings.
He’s another pitcher who could see time in the rotation, unless Counsell plans to do more bullpen games. Then, he could be an opener, or a middle-inning guy.