The Brewers announced a change to their bullpen crew ahead of today’s game against the rival Cubs. Aaron Wilkerson joins the big league club from Triple-A San Antonio, while Jay Jackson has been optioned back to the minors.
Wilkerson, 30, has made five scattered relief appearances since April, unfortunately surrendering earned runs each time out. He has been an effective starter in Triple-A this season, however, going 7-1 with a 3.06 ERA across 14 starts. The Brewers are prepared for a quick hook of Gio Gonzalez today should there be any sign of shoulder trouble, with Wilkerson serving as the contingency plan, notes MLB.com’s Adam McCalvy (via Twitter).
Jackson, 31, has also served as little more than a 25th man while on the major league roster. In ten appearances, Jackson has a 5.79 ERA (4.93 FIP) across 14 innings. The South Carolina native gave Milwaukee some length in July with five two-inning outings, four of which he escaped scoreless.
The Brewers are sticking with an eight man bullpen for now, a necessity given the injuries sustained by the starting rotation. With Jhoulys Chacin, Jimmy Nelson, Brandon Woodruff, and Brent Suter on the injured list, Milwaukee figures to be more reliant than most contenders on players like Wilkerson and Jackson, even as they continue to shuttle them back and forth from San Antonio.
Think the Brewers would be better off Dfa Chacin, Wilkerson. I see Supak had a very good outing the other night and Nelson struck out the side too. Suter had a decent rehab so there is still hope but its gotta start now. Thought Jackson did pretty good this time around should be kept in that 25 to 26 role
Wtf man
Was hoping they could have gotten Ty Blach.
Brewers pitching is laughable right now. I could hit theirbpitching and I haven’t played in 20 years. Stearns should be held accountable for his mis management of their starting pitching depth and talent. Stearns’ trades at the deadline for arms were a joke.
after the last two cubs games I’d have to agree…I’m not saying that this rotation could be fixed after all he injuries and such…but they don’t look good at all