David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Brewers red-hot rotation sets MLB milestone

Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Eric Lauer didn't get the win over the Chicago Cubs on Sunday. But by not giving up a hit until the sixth inning, he helped the Brewers achieve an MLB milestone.

While Lauer himself has been solid enough in 2021, Milwaukee's pitching staff has collectively been an intimidating force of nature. So intimidating, even, that Cincinnati Reds veteran slugger Joey Votto said it is one of the toughest he's ever seen.

"I’m going to say it out loud: Personally, I think this is the best group of pitchers I’ve faced in my career," Votto said on MLB Network, via the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "I was a part of the team that faced the 2010 Phillies with the late Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Roy Oswalt, and Cole Hamels. On the whole, the entire collection of (Brewers) pitchers, this has been the toughest matchup I’ve ever come across in my career."

Milwaukee's success isn't exclusive to this season, with their recent campaigns showcasing their presence as an NL Central juggernaut. But while the Christian Yelich-led offense and the Josh Hader-led bullpen previously garnered most of the attention, the five-man starting rotation is now front and center thanks to Corbin Burnes and Brandon Woodruff having two of the top-five best ERAs across the league.

The Brewers' rotation can't slow down now, especially with the postseason right around the corner. If the playoffs started today they would face off against the Braves, who they split the season series with 3-3. There is also the possibility the Brewers rematch against the Dodgers, who eliminated Milwaukee from the 2020 postseason en route to winning a World Series. 

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Insider suggests four-time Pro Bowl option for Steelers if Aaron Rodgers doesn't sign
Texas football team reportedly has shockingly high payroll
Five-star USC commit Alijah Arenas receives positive health update
Juan Soto's bat speed decline threatens Mets' $765 million investment
Steelers may have found another steal in UDFA pool as Pittsburgh lands an athletic freak
Collin Morikawa makes shocking change ahead of PGA Championship
Jets' Jordan Travis makes career-defining decision
Jerry Jones had harsh comment about Cowboys star CB
Astros pitcher who hasn't started since 2022 World Series set to return
Kelce brothers address Shedeur Sanders falling to fifth round of 2025 NFL Draft
NFL team executive expands on what Browns' Shedeur Sanders did wrong before draft
Insider names front-runner in Browns' QB competition after drafting Shedeur Sanders
Report: Eli Manning interested in Giants ownership stake
Mystics 2025 first-round pick's season in doubt after concerning injury
Marlins outfielder expected to miss remainder of 2025 season 
Tyrese Haliburton’s father addresses his incident with Giannis Antetokounmpo
Patriots' Austin Hooper explains what teammates can expect from HC Mike Vrabel
Falcons to pick up star WR's fifth-year option
Falcons react to NFL levying fine against team and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich
Yankees offense goes nuclear in blowout win

Want more Brewers news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.