Brewers' Pitching Depth Faces Early Test
As the Brewers gear up for the new season, the foresight of their front office is already being put to the test. With a flurry of offseason trades bringing in promising young arms, the team anticipated the inevitable injuries that come with a long baseball season.
Their strategy? Be prepared and have depth.
This spring, their planning is proving wise. Brandon Woodruff is being eased into action with an eye on October, even if it means a slow start.
Meanwhile, Quinn Priester is sidelined with thoracic outlet syndrome, and Logan Henderson has elbow discomfort. Adding to the woes, Kyle Harrison recently left a game with a blister, casting doubt on his short-term availability.
With Opening Day looming, the Brewers' rotation is looking a bit thin. The current lineup is missing a fifth starter, and Woodruff's planned delayed start is now uncertain. Sproat, who arrived at camp without a rotation guarantee, has suddenly become crucial.
The Brewers are committed to maintaining a five-man rotation, despite early-season off days. So, who steps up as the fifth starter?
Thanks to their offseason moves, the Brewers have several options. Robert Gasser is the most obvious candidate, but DL Hall and Shane Drohan are also in the mix.
Carlos Rodríguez and Coleman Crow, both on the 40-man roster, are less likely but still possibilities.
Interestingly, Aaron Ashby could emerge as a temporary solution. Although he's been primarily a reliever since 2022, Ashby has been stretching out this spring, showcasing a versatile arsenal that includes a sinker, curveball, changeup, and a four-seamer. His willingness to adapt makes him a valuable asset, and manager Pat Murphy trusts him implicitly.
Ashby’s potential shift back to a starting role could be beneficial, especially with Ángel Zerpa and Jared Koenig handling high-leverage relief duties. Hall, Gasser, and Drohan are more conventional choices for the rotation, but Ashby's skill set and readiness make him a standout option.
Of course, if Harrison and Henderson recover quickly, Ashby's role might remain unchanged. But for now, keep an eye on Ashby-he could be taking the mound as a starter sooner than expected.