Milwaukee Brewers: Did Jungmann’s 2015 Season Show Signs of Failure to Come?

As many start to speculate who will replace Taylor Jungmann in the Milwaukee Brewers rotation, let’s first take a look at why his successful rookie season had a hint of failure.

On July 11, 2015 Taylor Jungmann threw a complete game in Dodger Stadium. The first time ever by a Milwaukee Brewers starter. For a rookie, that’s something to be proud of and at that point, it was one of the few highlights during a rough season that could be marked as something to look back on and be proud of.

Yesterday, the Milwaukee Brewers demoted Taylor Jungmann to Colorado Springs (AAA) and brought up relief pitcher, David Goforth. While all speculation began as to who will be brought up to take his spot, it’s important to remember his struggles went back to last year.

On September 3rd, Jungmann went 6 IP, 1 ER, 3 Ks and had a 2.42 after a 6 IP game with 0 ERs. After 5 more starts to October 1st he gave up at least 3 ERs in each game and raised his ERA to 3.77. Although, this was hopefully a learning curve to being a rookie pitcher, some had speculation even before this start.

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As FanGraphs wrote on August 26, 2015 (a point where Jungmann had a 2.66 ERA), they broke down if Jungmann was for real. Judging on ball in play (BIP), he really had things going his way. Combined with StatCast numbers like Relative Production (REL PRD) and Projected Rotation (PRD), his “Tru ERA” would’ve really been 3.70. So overall, he was playing like an average starter at best.

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But, getting back to basics, when a starter comes up from the minors with a 6.37 ERA (even in Colorado Springs), not much is expected. As many believe mechanics need to be adjusted for him to get going once again, another minor league pitcher will soon have a chance to take a spot in the starting rotation and prove they earn a chance to stay.

As many Milwaukee Brewers writers have said, this may be just a start to the team juggling the roster around during the 2016 season. The fun part for a rebuilding team.