The Milwaukee Brewers rotation has suddenly become a question mark. Freddy Peralta is expected to miss the majority of the rest of the season and Brandon Woodruff is dealing with an ankle issue. Both pitchers had disappointed prior to their injuries, although the back of the Brewers’ rotation had exceeded expectations.
The rotation is now set to get another boost. Top pitching prospect Ethan Small is reportedly being promoted to the majors as Milwaukee has a doubleheader on Monday.
Milwaukee Brewers giving Ethan Small major league chance
Small has done nothing but produce since being selected with the 28th overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft. He has an impressive 1.78 ERA and a 1.134 WHiP over his 136.2 innings in the minors, striking out 177 batters with 67 walks.
There are some concerns about Small moving forward despite those excellent numbers. While his changeup is a plus offering with plenty of sink and his fastball plays beyond its velocity due to its spin rate, he does not have a quality third offering. Small does occasionally throw a slider and curve, but both are subpar. His command is also shaky as he has walked 4.4 batters per nine innings in his major league career, with that number rising to 4.9 walks per nine since the beginning of the 2021 season.
However, Small has done a tremendous job of limiting hard contact and keeping the ball in the yard. He has allowed just five homers in his minor league career, with just one home run in his 38.2 Triple-A innings this season.
And now, it is time. Small is going to be tested at the major league level for the first time in his career, giving the Brewers a chance to see what his future holds. That lack of a third offering seemingly has him ticketed for the bullpen, but if he can continue to flummox the opposition with his fastball/changeup combo, he could be a solid enough back of the rotation arm.
The Milwaukee Brewers are giving their top pitching prospect a chance. Ethan Small is reportedly set to be promoted to the majors on Monday.