TODAY: Sadzeck has elected to become a free agent, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports (Twitter link). The right-hander had cleared waivers and been outrighted to the Brewers’ Triple-A affiliate.
JULY 25: The Brewers announced Monday that they’ve designated righty Connor Sadzeck for assignment and recalled pitching prospect Ethan Small from Triple-A Nashville in his place. Small will likely get the nod to start Tuesday’s game, which had been listed as a “TBD” by the Brewers.
Sadzeck, 30, appeared in two games with the Brewers and yielded three runs in three innings of relief work prior to today’s DFA. He posted big numbers in Nashville, logging a 0.86 ERA and 30.7% strikeout rate against a 10.5% walk rate in 28 innings, but his once 97.1 mph heater averaged a diminished 94.9 mph in his limited work with Milwaukee. Sadzeck has long been an intriguing arm thanks to his velocity and ability to miss bats, but control issues and injuries have continually plagued him throughout his professional career. The Brewers will have a week to trade him, release him or attempt to pass him through outright waivers.
Small, the No. 28 overall pick back in 2019, will make just his second career start if and when he takes the ball tomorrow. He was tagged for three runs through 2 2/3 innings in his MLB debut earlier this season but has recorded a strong 3.34 ERA and 26.4% strikeout rate in 72 2/3 Triple-A innings this year. Command has been the big knock on Small for much of his professional career, and this year’s 13% walk rate in Triple-A hasn’t allayed those concerns. However, Small still profiles as a potential fourth starter, with scouting reports at Baseball America, FanGraphs and MLB.com praising his solid fastball and plus changeup.
It’s about time now once they trade Wong and two of the catchers they need to bring up Turang, Reetz, Mitchell and Weimer. Then just see what happens with the young guys. I think that hunger these young guys infused would surprise people.
Farhan Zaidi is on line 1.
More dumpster diving
It’s taking a chance… on a huge weapon that’s never really failed. Has no business anymore at any minor league level. Jealous of whoever he tags along with
Man, if I was DFA’d today, I’d feel like a Sadzeck too.
Poor guy must get teased about his name every time he doesn’t pitch well!
Unless the Brewers are going to miss the playoffs on Burns last year, they will keep him and get the draft picks. They’re not going to pass on a shot at winning it all. He’s too good. Small market teams can’t compete with salaries which sucks.
Checking back every hour today looking for some tidbit of trade news..even if it’s a no-chance rumor…
And all I get is sadzeck opting free agency. Total bummer man.
I would bet Connor can shove. Woulda thought the rangers were desperate enough, especially after watching him develop. The Mariners and brewers weren’t. I think he’s an 8th inning guy and someone will pay for it
If I’m the Nats, I’m only trading Soto if it’s part of a 3-team deal. I don’t want a ton of prospects from one team, I want the top 2 or 3 from two different teams. Those trades take awake to come together though, and would be more likely to happen in the off-season.