The Brewers’ recent shuffle in their pitching lineup has sparked some headlines, and it revolves around right-hander Aaron Civale’s move to the bullpen. At face value, this switch was made to make room for Jacob Misiorowski, the team’s promising prospect. However, beneath the surface lies a narrative that could shape the team’s dynamics moving forward. Aaron Civale, who is inching towards free agency, hasn’t taken the news lightly. It’s understandable, especially given his impeccable track record as a starter, both in the minor leagues and the majors.
Yesterday, manager Pat Murphy candidly acknowledged Civale wasn’t thrilled about the transition. Fast-forward a mere day, and reports from Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic reveal that Civale has formally requested a trade. His agent, Jack Toffey, paints a picture of a polite yet firm conversation with the Brewers’ brass, emphasizing Civale’s desire to stay in a starter role given his free agency aspirations.
And Civale’s ambitions are justified. The seasoned righty, despite a hamstring hiccup early this season, has displayed commendable form. His return has been marked by a solid 19 innings where he racked up a 3.32 ERA with a 21.3% strikeout rate. Consider this: Civale hasn’t allowed more than two runs in any of his recent appearances – a testament to his prowess on the mound.
The Brewers, who scooped Civale from the Rays with a mid-season trade last year, found a gem. Although he had a shaky start in Tampa Bay, Milwaukee seems to have been his comfort zone. Over the last three months of the previous season, he delivered a promising 3.53 ERA. Add to that his consistent numbers this year, and it’s clear why Civale sees himself as more than bullpen material.
It’s essential to put things into perspective. This transition isn’t about Civale’s performance. In fact, Milwaukee’s management strategy revolves around leveraging their pitching talent. Traditionally, the team is cautious about letting their pitchers face batters three times during a game. Civale, known for his consistency in both his second and third outings against batters, might have fit that mold under different circumstances. But this isn’t just any regular season for the Brewers.
Not long ago, Milwaukee grappling with excess in starting pitching would sound like fantasy. Early on, they were navigating through a sea of injuries, even making a rare early-season trade to bolster their rotation by acquiring Quinn Priester from the Red Sox. Fast forward to now, and the Brewers have seen a resurgence. Talented arms have returned from injuries, and fresh faces are emerging, creating a competitive environment that any team would envy.
Players like Chad Patrick, who is seriously contending for NL Rookie of the Year, and Logan Henderson, who dazzled in his inaugural starts, highlight the depth. Add to that Misiorowski’s meteoric rise and veterans like Jose Quintana and Civale getting back to form, and you have an enviable pitching roster. Meanwhile, lefties like DL Hall and Aaron Ashby have transitioned into relief roles post-recovery, showcasing the multifaceted nature of Milwaukee’s bullpen.
With Milwaukee’s pitching roster brimming with talent, Civale’s move to the bullpen was more strategy than necessity. But it’s a move that, given his career trajectory, understandably hasn’t sat well with Civale. With free agency looming, the implications of not continuing as a starter could affect his future in the league.
Currently earning $8MM in this pivotal year before free agency, there’s still a significant paycheck on the line for Civale. Over his 122 major league starts, he’s clocked in 658 1/3 innings with a respectable 4.06 ERA, backed by a 21.8% strikeout rate. Civale’s journey, lined with diligent hard work and persistent performances, is at a junction. And as the Brewers continue their season, all eyes will be on this unfolding pitcher drama.
