The Brewers are turning to Brandon Sproat again as they try to keep pace in the National League race, while another arm heads to the injured list.
Milwaukee announced Monday that right-hander Grant Anderson has been placed on the 15-day Injured List with right biceps inflammation. To fill the opening, the club recalled right-hander Brandon Sproat to the big league roster.
Sproat is back at a moment when every inning matters. The Brewers hold a 1 1/2-game lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers in the chase for the top spot in the National League, and the next few weeks will decide whether Milwaukee keeps home-field advantage throughout the postseason or lets Los Angeles close the gap. The Brewers are also trying to lock up the National League Central, where they sit seven games ahead of the Chicago Cubs.
Anderson’s absence matters because he’s been one of Milwaukee’s more reliable bullpen pieces. He owns a 3.36 ERA across 52 appearances out of the Brewers’ relief corps.
The rotation picture is a little murkier too, especially with Kyle Harrison. The left-hander has been strong for Milwaukee overall, but his last two outings have gone sideways. He gave up four runs in 3 2/3 innings on Aug. 31 against the Cubs, then was tagged for nine runs in 3 2/3 innings Sunday against the Cincinnati Reds.
That rough stretch prompted Brewers manager Pat Murphy to hint Sunday that Harrison’s role could change, as transcribed by Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
“Maybe he won't start, maybe he'll end up being in the middle of the game or something like that,” Murphy said of Harrison.
Sproat gives Milwaukee a fresh option with length. He can cover multiple innings whether the Brewers want him in the rotation or in relief. In the majors this season, he has made 21 appearances, 19 of them starts, and carries a 5.27 ERA.
After being sent to Triple-A, Sproat worked five games and posted a 4.00 ERA in 18 innings. His first outing there was rough, but he’s been sharper over his last four appearances, turning in a 1.29 ERA in that stretch with Triple-A Nashville. It’s the kind of run that looked more like the version of Sproat who stood out for Milwaukee in June.
The Brewers acquired Sproat from the New York Mets this past offseason in the deal centered around Freddy Peralta. Now he’s back in Milwaukee, and the club will be hoping he can help them navigate the stretch run.
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