As Spring Training wraps up, Milwaukee Brewers' pitcher Robert Gasser delivered a stellar performance, going six innings strong with just five hits allowed, a single walk, seven strikeouts, and zero runs. This impressive outing couldn't have come at a better time, as the Brewers are still finalizing their starting rotation. With Jacob Misiorowski set for Opening Day and Chad Patrick and Brandon Sproat lined up after him, there are still two spots open.
Brandon Woodruff might claim one if he's ready for the regular season. Other contenders include Kyle Harrison, who’s shaken off a minor blister issue, Shane Drohan, who shone during spring, and of course, Gasser.
But Gasser's recent box score tells only part of the story. Whether he starts in the majors or at Triple-A, his latest adjustment is something the Brewers are surely excited about.
Gasser's New Sinker Shines in Final Cactus League Game
On Saturday, Gasser showcased a revamped sinker, adjusting his grip to rely on it for 35% of his pitches. Interestingly, he almost sidelined his four-seam fastball, historically his go-to pitch.
The result? A barrage of ground-ball outs, a perfect fit for the Brewers’ top-tier infield defense. This aligns seamlessly with Milwaukee's pitching strategy, which favors fastballs with movement over straighter ones.
In his postgame chat, Gasser mentioned he hadn’t realized how much he leaned on the sinker, but it’s clearly a strategy that suits him. Known more for finesse than power, inducing grounders rather than fly balls could be his ticket to long-term success.
Gasser’s performance suggests he may have found a winning formula that complements his skills and the Brewers' philosophy. By embracing movement and trusting his defense, he positions himself well, whether he starts in the majors or not. This development adds another intriguing layer to Milwaukee’s rotation puzzle, with Gasser’s adjustments potentially making a significant impact beyond Spring Training.