The 5-1 Milwaukee Brewers announced two roster moves ahead of the second game of their three-game set against the Seattle Mariners. The Brewers opened the season with a three-game sweep of the New York Mets. They then split a two-game series with the Minnesota Twins. Friday night, April 5th, they took game one from the Mariners 6-5 to kick off the series. After the series with the Mariners, the Brewers will head to Cincinnati to play the division-rival Reds.
RHP – Jakob Junis
The Brewers have placed Junis on the 15-day injured list with a right shoulder impingement retroactive to April 3rd. Junis has made one start so far this season for the Brewers. In his only start, he went four innings, allowed three hits and one run, walked one, and struck out four. He holds a 2.25 ERA and a 1.00 WHIP after his lone start. Hopefully, 15 days will be enough for Junis to recover from his injury.
LHP – Aaron Ashby
The Brewers recalled Ashby from the Triple-A Nashville Sounds today ahead of the game with Seattle. Ashby spent all of 2023 rehabbing from shoulder surgery. He started a game for the Nashville Storm and ended up pitching into the sixth inning using just 77 pitches. On Record, he didn’t record an out in the sixth inning but was facing batters in the sixth. It has been a long rehab road for Ashby, but he flew back to Milwaukee and awaits word on whether or not he’ll be spot-starting for Junis.
Wrap Up:
As disappointing as it is to see the Brewers have to place Junis on the IL, it is equally exciting to see Aaron Ashby return to the big leagues. With the Brewers off to a 5-1 start, they can’t afford to lose starting pitchers to the injured list. The return of Ashby provides some relief, but the team can only hope he will be able to produce for them after rehabbing all of last year. There is no guarantee he will be up with the big Club for more than a spot start or two. The best-case scenario for the Brewers would be to have Junis return in 18-20 days from injury. At the same time, Ashby pitches well enough to keep the rotation. Spot-shifting Junis to the bullpen. This might be the best case for the Brewers. They move Junis to the long relief role he succeeded in with the Giants, and then Ashby remains in the starting rotation. A healthy pitching staff will be needed to continue this hot start for the Brewers. Fingers crossed, Junis returns quickly, and Ashby pitches well upon his return.
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