The Milwaukee Brewers are beginning to see a welcome resurgence in their pitching staff, with several key arms returning to bolster the roster just in time for the stretch run. Left-handers Aaron Ashby and DL Hall made their returns to the club in late May, and there is optimism surrounding the expected return of Brandon Woodruff around June 8-9. Additionally, Jose Quintana rejoined the squad right before the series finale against the Phillies, adding further depth to a pitching rotation that has had its share of challenges this season.
To make room for Quintana, the team designated Tyler Alexander for assignment. The 30-year-old’s struggles this season were highlighted by a rise in his ERA to 6.19, following a tough outing where he surrendered five runs in the ninth inning of a recent game.
Alexander, who signed a one-year, $1 million deal with the Brewers in February, found himself thrust into the starting rotation due to injuries. He showcased flashes of brilliance early on, throwing 5.2 scoreless innings in his debut against the Reds, and pitching effectively against the Rockies with just two earned runs allowed. However, things took a turn during a subsequent start against the Tigers, where he gave up four earned runs.
Unfortunately, consistency has eluded Alexander throughout this season. In his 21 appearances, he allowed earned runs in 12 outings, with a particularly rough month of May where six of his twelve appearances resulted in earned runs, contributing to his current ERA of 6.19—his worst yet in the big leagues.
With the Brewers gaining healthier players and having increasingly effective options at their disposal, the decision to DFA Alexander signals a shift in focus towards solidifying the pitching staff as they aim to navigate the upcoming weeks with more stability. This newfound depth could prove pivotal for the Brewers as they look to make a strong push in the heart of the season.
