The Milwaukee Brewers have a knack for finding less-known pitchers, some of them former Major Leaguers, who thrive overseas and then bringing them back to the Majors as effective out-getters. Others are mired in other clubs’ minor league systems, seemingly destined to stay there for the majority of their baseball careers.
Back in 2019, Milwaukee acquired left-handed starter Drew Pomeranz from the San Francisco Giants for Ray Black. At the time, Pomeranz had a career record of 44-48 with a 3.92 ERA. Of course, these numbers were respectable, but In 2018 he had gone 2-6 with a 6.08 ERA for the Boston Red Sox, and in 2019 was 2-9 with a 5.68 ERA for the Giants.
At the time of the trade, Pomeranz was a starting pitcher. Milwaukee, however, moved him to the bullpen where he excelled. In his lone half season with the Brewers, Pomeranz was 0-1 with a stellar 2.39 ERA in 25 appearances (one start). He also picked up two saves.
After becoming a free agent following the season, Pomeranz signed with the San Diego Padres, who also used him as a reliever. In 2020, he was 1-0 with a 1.45 ERA in 20 games, and in 2021 was 1-0 with a 1.75 ERA in 27 games.
But the the injuries happened.
An injured left flexor tendon ended his 2021 season early, as it required surgery. He missed the entire 2022 season as a result of the injury, and in May of 2023 needed another surgery for further repairs.
After becoming a free agent at the end of the 2023 season, Pomeranz bounced around the minor league systems of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Giants, and Seattle Mariners.
Pomeranz was traded by the Mariners to the Chicago Cubs in April of this year after he exercised the upward mobility clause of the minor league contract he had signed with Seattle. At the time of the trade, he was 0-1 with a 4.66 ERA and two saves.
But he has thrived since being acquired by the Cubs, who are led by Craig Counsell, his former manager in Milwaukee. In 27 games for Chicago, he is 2-1 with a sparkling 0.76 ERA.
This is his first Major League season since 2021, when he initially suffered his elbow injury with San Diego. And if he keeps on producing like this, he very well could have a few more years left in him.
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