Time Is Running Out for Joel Payamps to Right the Ship

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dave Gasper | Last updated Apr 19, 2025 10:05 PM ET

Relievers are the most volatile position group in Major League Baseball. From year to year, there's so much variance in performance that's it's difficult to know who is going to be a trusted arm and who is going to be unreliable.

That's why there's always so much turnover in bullpens every year. Trust can be built and destroyed very quickly. Look at Grant Anderson, a reliever who didn't make the Opening Day roster, but in the span of just a few outings, he's risen up the trust tree to earn high leverage spot for the Milwaukee Brewers.

On the flip side, there's Joel Payamps.

Joel Payamps is the second longest-tenured members of the Brewers pitching staff, behind only Freddy Peralta. Acquired in 2022 in the William Contreras trade, Payamps has been a mainstay in Milwaukee's bullpen ever since. He's been in high leverage situations for most of that time.

Payamps posted a 2.55 ERA his first year in Milwaukee, then a 3.05 ERA last year, accruing nine saves and 48 holds.

However, the 2025 season has been a different story. Through his first nine outings, Payamps has a 17.55 ERA, giving up 13 runs in just 6.2 IP. He's allowed runs in each of his last three outings, including Saturday night's contest, where he allowed a leadoff home run to Shea Langeliers in the 9th inning to make a 2-1 deficit a 3-1 deficit.

"His confidence is shaken. We thought this was a good confidence builder for him. We can't use another leverage reliever there. Give up a big hit again, that's concerning" Pat Murphy said.

When the manager describes a reliever as someone with shaken confidence and calls the situation concerning, that's a clear sign that time might soon be running out on Joel Payamps' time in Milwaukee.

"He's been really good for us. He's been a good reliever. He takes the ball, but he hasn't thrown the ball well lately." Murphy added.

Murphy clearly can't trust Payamps right now and if he can't trust one of his relievers, then a change should be necessary. Payamps is running out of chances to get his confidence back and prove to the coaching staff that he should stay on this roster. The Brewers have a number of options in the minor leagues that they could give an opportunity to.

Notably, Payamps does not have any minor league options left so if they do make a change, Payamps would need to be removed from the 40 man roster, which could open a spot for someone like Craig Yoho.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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