Brandon Kintzler: Season in Review

Aug 4, 2013; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Brandon Kintzler during the game against the Washington Nationals at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

BRANDON KINTZLER
Relief Pitcher
2014 Salary: $507,000
2015 Status: 1st Arbitration Year
2015 Guesstimated Salary (If re-signed): $600,000-$800,000

GRADE: B-

Right-hander Brandon Kintzler came into 2014 with high expectations.

His 2013 campaign ranked him as one of the top relievers for the Brewers, as he appeared in 71 games, winning three of six decisions and posting a 2.69 ERA.

Kintzler’s 2014 season got off to a great start with five scoreless games covering five innings. Four days later, he went on the 15-day D.L. with a strained rotator cuff.

The 30-year-old struggled upon his return, allowing hits in eight straight appearances. He gave up six earned runs in 8 1/3 innings during the stretch, ballooning his ERA from zero to 4.05.

But then Kintzler got back in the groove and in his next 14 appearances (12 IP) from mid-May to mid-June, yielded only two earned runs.

He didn’t pitch much in July, but when he did he threw well, allowing only one earnie in six innings.

The Las Vegas native slipped a little in August (11 2/3 IP, 6 ER) but finished strong in September, giving up one earned run in ten innings to drop his ERA to 3.24.

Kintzler underwent surgery on his left patella tendon at the end of September, but is expected to be healthy for spring training.

The five-year vet was not as good as his previous season, but he was still above-average in 2014.

If the Brewers can sign him for less than a million dollars, it would be money well-spent, as Kintzler is an established quality reliever.

He is also a ‘plus’ fielder, committing no errors in 47 big league chances.

With his knee cleaned up and hopefully his shoulder problems behind him, Kintzler can be a versatile reliever, able to take the ball in the sixth, seventh, or eighth innings.

He can be a quality bridge to the end of the game, and if the arbitration process goes as expected, Kintzler will be assuming that role once again for Milwaukee in 2015.