The Milwaukee Brewers took a chance on Josh Lindblom. After spending parts of five seasons in the majors with mixed results, he had become a superstar in the Korean Baseball Organization. With a high spin rate and an impressive degree of success overseas, the Brewers hoped that Lindblom would be able to produce at a respectable level in the majors.
His 2020 campaign was a mixed bag. While he posted a 5.16 ERA, he had a respectable 1.279 ERA while striking out 52 batters with just 16 walks in 45.1 innings. His 3.87 FIP indicated that Lindblom just had bad luck in 2020, and he could become the pitcher that the Brewers hoped for.
Milwaukee Brewers faith in Josh Lindblom misguided
The warning signs began in spring training. Lindblom was unable to earn a spot in the Brewers’ rotation, even though there was an opportunity to be had. He ended up in the bullpen in a long relief role, with the idea that he could pitch his way back into a starting spot.
Instead, Lindblom was a disaster. He posted a 9.72 ERA and a 1.980 WHiP over his 16.2 innings. While he was still able to strike out more than a batter per inning (17), he also issued ten walks and allowed five homers. He was designated for assignment, and on Friday, agreed to report to Triple-A.
The promise from 2020 is all but gone at this point. Lindblom had appeared to be a solid enough arm, maybe not an ace, but someone that could fill a role in the back of the rotation. His peripherals indicated that he would bound for far more success, but that just never happened.
The track record of players coming from the KBO to the majors, or returning to the majors leagues after a stint in Korea, is not exactly stellar. The Brewers had faith in Lindblom that his spin rate and results would translate to the majors, but that just has not happened. He has been the same pitcher he had always been, one who has occasional flashes, but is essentially a depth piece.
The Milwaukee Brewers had faith in Josh Lindblom. At this point, their faith in his KBO production has been misguided.