The Milwaukee Brewers pitching staff has been slammed by injuries. Six different pitchers are currently on the Injured List, and while the Brewers’ three remaining starters have performed well, they can only pitch so often. The days of Old Hoss Radbourn taking the ball every day are sadly long in the past.
This has also presented opportunities for several of the Brewers’ minor league arms. Four different pitchers – Ethan Small, Jason Alexander, Peter Strzelecki, and Luke Barker – all made their major league debut within a five day span.
Milwaukee Brewers have no choice but to give youngsters a chance
In some cases, it was just that one outing. Small and Strzelecki are already back in Triple-A, having gotten that initial look at the majors. If nothing else, it is a moment that all of those players will remember forever.
It is also a sign of what is to come in Milwaukee. Although Small is the only one of those pitchers ranked amongst the Brewers’ top 30 prospects according to MLB.com, he is also their top pitching prospect. While his outing, where he allowed two runs on four hits and four walks over 2.2 innings, may have disappointed, his four strikeouts also showed what is possible.
These outings are also a testament to their hard work. Barker is 30 years old, Alexander is 29, and Strzelecki is 27. It has been a long journey through the minors for each of those players, and in Alexander’s case, a journey that has taken him through several organizations. These debuts have been a long time coming.
Chances are, those arms will get more than just that one outing. As the Brewers continue to need to find arms to fill out the major league roster, other opportunities will develop. That cup of coffee could turn into a lot more.
The Milwaukee Brewers have had four pitchers make their major league debuts in five days. Chances are, several more will be forthcoming.