The Brewers are sending Robert Gasser for evaluation after the rookie left-hander reported “some tightness, soreness” coming out of his start on Saturday, manager Pat Murphy told reporters (X link via MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand). The Brewers have not placed him on the injured list at this point.
Gasser joined the Milwaukee rotation three weeks ago. He has pitched very well in his first five big league starts, turning in a 2.57 ERA through 28 innings. While Gasser only has 16 strikeouts (a subpar 14% rate), he has shown impeccable control. The Houston product has only issued one walk, though he has hit three batters.
Acquired from the Padres as part of the 2022 Josh Hader return, Gasser already looks like a key piece of a Milwaukee rotation that has been hit hard by injury. The Brewers knew they’d be without Brandon Woodruff all season, but they’ve lost Wade Miley, DL Hall, Jakob Junis and Joe Ross to the injured list since the year began. Gasser has stepped in alongside Bryse Wilson and Colin Rea as part of a patchwork rotation behind Freddy Peralta.
Milwaukee has overcome that spotty rotation to run a 36-24 record through their first 60 games. They’ve built a 6.5 game lead over the Cardinals in the NL Central. Losing Gasser, if testing reveals any kind of injury, would represent another hurdle, though the Brewers could welcome back a few of their currently injured hurlers.
Junis is headed to Triple-A Nashville to begin a rehab assignment, tweets Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. Signed to a $7MM free agent deal, Junis has been limited to one start thus far. The right-hander went on the injured list with a shoulder impingement during the first week of April. His rehab process was slightly delayed when he was struck in the head by an errant ball during batting practice, but he fortunately avoided any especially serious injuries. Murphy has previously indicated that Junis could return in a multi-inning relief role after opening the year in the rotation.
Ross, who went on the IL on May 21 with a lower back strain, could also return in the coming weeks. Rosiak notes that the right-hander is set to throw a bullpen session this weekend. The 31-year-old has started nine games, pitching to a 4.50 ERA over 42 innings.
See ya in 2026
I think the problem is that we stopped rubbing dirt on it. Don’t remember all these pitcher injuries before when guys just rubbed dirt on it.
What a nice birthday present. Next man up from the pitch lab! Good thing it’s only June as the hitting will have to make up for the pitching issues over the next 4 months.
He does have a sumwhat herky jerky pitching motion. Got alot going on w//that delivery. Funky angle, like a crossfire, throwing against your body is ‘tender arm’ waiting to pounce.
It could be gastroruminococchus.
Like the proverbial fart in the wind…
Fun fact: What year had the most TJs in the majors? 2012 with 36. Not 2023 or 2022, but more than a decade ago. Before the pitch clock.
docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1gQujXQQGOVNaiuwSN6…
I know a lot of people want to blame the pitch clock for stuff but I don’t buy it. I think it’s the quest for speed. You need to throw mid 90s and that will tear up anyone’s arm given enough time.
Max effort/max spin. Unfortunately, a 90s arsenal isn’t going to get pass today’s hitters unless you have pinpoint command.
there is a lot of pitchers today with pinpoint command and throw heat…
A big part of the problem is the almost hypnotic obsession by scouts, execs, and the media with “eye-popping velocity”. They marvel at the likes of Paul Skenes and Mason Miller until they inevitably go down with UCL issues, and then just move on to the next guy who consistently throws 100+ MPH.
I noticed there’s a separate list for the internal brace procedure though. I’d assume that back in 2012, there would have been a lot more TJ whereas now it’s more split between that and the internal brace procedure.
Mr Gasser, meet Mr. John
Another pitcher that utilizes the inverted W throwing mechanics to increase velocity. It may cost him 18 months in rehab.
I hope it is not that bad! Big loss if true! Down to Freddie and the H am and Eggers!