The Milwaukee Brewers seem like a lifeless team. It is felt that way for a couple weeks now. Could a simple infusion of a young talent change things? On its own, perhaps not. Baseball is an odd sport though. The smallest things can spark a team.
Mitchell delivers in first MLB start
Eric Lauer called out the front office for its trade deadline. Lauer said it did not seem to be in line with a team up three games on the division. The team has a chance this year and should be focused on it. But perhaps a young, new face can provide that push towards the postseason?
In his first start Mitchell delivered a go-ahead two-run single in the fourth inning for his first MLB hit. Christian Yelich followed with a go-ahead two-run homer. The Brewers never trailed again in a 9-7 win over the Cubs on Sunday. Could Mitchell’s first start coinciding with the Brewers’ best offensive display in some time? Sure. But let’s have some fun. The energy of a young, extremely talented kid can bring newfound energy to the slumping Brewers.
The Brewers just began a stretch of 18 games in 17 days. The club seemed tired before this stretch. So, what better way to infuse a team than call up a talented prospect?
Mitchell should see regular playing time
The Brewers have gotten mediocre contributions from centerfield with Tyrone Taylor having a sub-.700 OPS and Jonathan Davis a stopgap. Now, Mitchell should see plenty of regular playing time in centerfield. With Lauer’s comments a week ago, the clubhouse could use a reset button from the trade deadline. Mitchell brings at least some of that and if he produces like he did with his opportunity Sunday could be a huge bolster to the team’s play and mindset.
Perhaps (likely) it is just a coincidence Yelich has homered in consecutive days coinciding with Mitchell’s callup. It might be a coincidence the offense put up nine runs and 16 hits in Mitchell’s first start. Either way I think we will see plenty of Mitchell over the final 5-plus weeks of the season.
Going forward
The Brewers are struggling mightily in August. The trade deadline chatter including from Eric Lauer and others wasn’t kind. Mitchell’s call-up and refresh could be just what this team needs. It seemingly has helped with the Brewers winning both games and scoring 9 runs in Mitchell’s first start. It could be a coincidence or Mitchell could be exactly what this Brewer team needs to hit the reset button on a difficult stretch. Now? As Mitchell said, he wants to help this team make a playoff push.
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