Milwaukee Brewers: Pat Murphy Clarifies Jacob Misiorowski’s Role Amid 2nd-Half Struggles

Overall, however, it has been a rough go since the All-Star break: in his last six starts, Misiorowski has a 7.71 ERA. Nonetheless, there won’t be any changes to how he’s used, said manager Pat Murphy. Although there has been talk of moving the Miz to the bullpen, the Brewers want him to start. It’s going to stay that way, Murphy implied, until further notice.

Milwaukee Brewers giving Misiorowski time and reps to grow

“I think we’re learning as we go,” Murphy said of his rookie’s pitching progress. “We need him as a starter right now and he’s developing as a starter.”

After a brilliant debut – two runs in his first 17 innings – Misiorowoski has struggled to string together consistent starts. Right before the break, he outdueled Clayton Kershaw in a 12-K gem. Last time out, although he gave up three runs, he struck out 10 in five innings. He’s still throwing flames. The swing and miss is there.

Walks or not, however, hit early or late, Misiorowski has failed to escape unscathed in any of his recent outings. To his credit, he almost made it through five one-run frames against a powerful Phillies lineup on Monday. Two baserunners and a hanging slider drastically changed his outing.

Sudden damage, set up by traffic on the bases, has been his bane. On the season, his ERA has climbed to 4.50 in 11 starts, conspiring with a two-week injury absence to remove him from the Rookie of the Year race.

Exhausted by injuries and a brutal schedule, however, the Brewers need him in the rotation, as Murphy says. Even five innings flat can take a load off the bullpen. While Misiorowski may ultimately work in relief during the postseason, when fewer starters are needed, for now, the staff needs anyone who can supply those five nightly innings out there starting.

Plus, his future is as a starter, not a reliever, and developmental concerns are crucial to maximizing long-term potential. The Brewers have enough breathing room – a 5.5-game division lead – to accommodate them.

Murphy certainly did not suggest that a bullpen switch is coming for Misiorowski like it has for Tobias Myers. “That discussion hasn’t begun about what else could happen,” the manager said. The Miz is scheduled to make his next start on Sunday in Pittsburgh.