The Milwaukee Brewers appeared to have as dominant a trio atop the rotation as any team heading into 2022. With Brandon Woodruff, Freddy Peralta, and Corbin Burnes, the Brewers were perfectly set up to make another run at the postseason, especially in light of how well that trio performed last season.
Those plans have taken a major hit. Peralta has landed on the Injured List due to a posterior shoulder strain. While he is expected to pitch again in 2022, manager Craig Counsell stated that Peralta is set to miss a significant amount of time.
Milwaukee Brewers lose significant piece in Freddy Peralta
Although Peralta had not matched his performance from 2021, he was still a solid piece in the Brewers’ rotation. His 4.42 ERA may not have been impressive, but he had posted a 2.09 FIP and a 1.190 WHiP in his 38.2 innings, striking out 50 batters with 13 walks. With some better luck with his ERA during the rest of the first half, Peralta could have easily found himself with his second All Star nod.
Those expectations could change. The Brewers do not appear to have a clear timeline for Peralta to return, and any setbacks could jeopardize the hope that he would return this season. If that ends up being the case, the Brewers’ hopes for the postseason would take a major hit.
For now, Aaron Ashby will take his spot in the rotation. The Brewers will hope that he can continue what had been a solid showing in a long relief role. Eric Lauer has been a revelation this year while Adrian Houser may be an underrated piece in their rotation. It is possible that Milwaukee can weather Peralta’s injury.
This also means that a lot more pressure is being placed on these relatively unproven arms. The Brewers expectations are not changing just because Peralta is injured. Those players are going to need to step up and keep the Brewers’ postseason aspirations alive.
The Milwaukee Brewers have lost a key piece to their rotation in Freddy Peralta. It is up to their untested arms to carry the load until he returns.