Milwaukee Brewers continue to roar back up the standings
On September 6, the Milwaukee Brewers playoff hopes were fading. Since then, they have charged right back to the postseason.
One could understand if the Milwaukee Brewers faithful were starting to lose hope on September 6. They had a 72-68 record, 6.5 games behind the St. Louis Cardinals for the NL Central. Milwaukee was four back in the chase for the second Wild Card spot, with the Phillies, Mets, and Diamondbacks between them and the Cubs. That push to the postseason did not look promising.
However, since that day, the Brewers have been on fire. They have had enough success that, 16 days later, they have matched the Washington Nationals for the top spot in the Wild Card race.
On September 6th, the @Brewers were 6 games back of the Nationals. Today, they're tied with Washington for the top Wild Card spot. 😱 pic.twitter.com/WB6rUYoilv
— MLB Stats (@MLBStats) September 22, 2019
Over that time, the Brewers have run off a 14-2 record, and have even pulled within three games of the Cardinals for the Central. While the division is likely out of reach, it is possible that Milwaukee could host the Wild Card game, a surprising result considering where they were just over two weeks ago.
More from Call to the Pen
- Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
- Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
- Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
- Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
- 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals
The Brewers are also managing to go on this hot stretch without their biggest star. Defending NL MVP Christian Yelich has been on the Injured List since fracturing his kneecap when he fouled a ball off his leg.
The Brewers, however, are proving that they are more than just Yelich. Yasmani Grandal has gone on a power surge, belting six homers this month. Keston Hiura and Trent Grisham both have an OPS over .900. Even Ryan Braun has managed to turn back the clock on occasion, coming through with clutch hits.
Milwaukee’s maligned starting rotation has come through as well. Gio Gonzalez, Jordan Lyles, Zach Davies, and Chase Anderson all have an ERA of 2.50 or better this month. Freddy Peralta has dominated, striking out 18 batters while allowing only four hits and two walks in 8.2 innings. Josh Hader has gone back to being arguably the most dominant reliever in the game.
Next. Don't sleep on the Brewers. dark
The Milwaukee Brewers have been on fire lately. That hot streak has come at the perfect time.