The Brewers are promoting young pitcher Jacob Misiorowski, set to start against the Cardinals. This move comes as they adjust their roster, likely transferring Brandon Woodruff to the 60-day injured list since he’s been sidelined for a while.
Who is Jacob Misiorowski?
At just 23, Misiorowski is considered a top prospect in baseball. The Brewers picked him in the second round of the 2022 draft, signing him with a hefty $2.35 million bonus. He has gained attention for his high-speed fastball, often hitting the high 90s and even reaching 100 mph. Along with his fastball, he throws a curveball, slider, and a rarely used changeup. Despite impressive strikeout rates, he’s still working on his control.
In 2022, he had a brief debut, making two appearances in Single-A. Last year, he pitched across Double-A and Triple-A, showcasing a 3.33 ERA and a 30.5% strikeout rate, though he struggled with a 14.4% walk rate. This season, he has recorded a 2.13 ERA in Triple-A with a 31.6% strikeout rate and a reduced walk rate of 12.3%, showing progress.
Prospects and Opinions
Misiorowski’s potential has caught the attention of experts. He’s currently ranked as the 21st prospect by Baseball America, 27th by FanGraphs, and 68th by MLB Pipeline, which raises some alarm about his control issues. Notable analyst Keith Law even mentioned concerns that he might end up in the bullpen due to these difficulties. Despite this, many believe he could evolve into a powerful starter.
The Current Pitching Situation
The Brewers’ rotation has seen many changes this season, primarily due to injuries. Woodruff won’t return for a while, and others like Nestor Cortes and Jose Quintana are also healing from various injuries. To manage this, Misiorowski’s promotion could serve as a temporary solution or even lead to a six-man rotation.
Currently, the starting lineup includes Freddy Peralta, Aaron Civale, and Quinn Priester, among others. With 12 different pitchers already starting this year, the team is clearly adapting on the fly.
Looking Ahead
The Brewers are in a playoff race, sitting just three games out of the National League Wild Card spot. Several pitchers, including Woodruff and Quintana, are free agents after this season, making them potential trade candidates. Moving one or more could lower the quality of the rotation immediately but may help strengthen other areas of the team or bring in fresh talent.
As Misiorowski joins the big leagues, there’s cautious optimism. His performance could impact the team’s future direction, whether he stays a starter or ultimately transitions to the bullpen. The Brewers will monitor his workload, especially given the current demands on their pitching staff.
Overall, Misiorowski has the chance to shine on a big platform, and all eyes will be on him as he steps onto the mound for the first time.
Final Thoughts
While the Brewers face some challenges, they also have a thrilling prospect in Misiorowski. As he takes this important step, it’s a moment not just for him, but a chance for the team to explore new possibilities in their pitching strategy.
For more information on player rankings and insights, check out Baseball America and ESPN.
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