Brewer Daily News for July 5th: Gallardo not worried, Brewers split series

Good morning everyone and welcome to the Friday edition of Brewer Daily News. Among the possible trade candidates, Milwaukee Brewers’ starting pitcher Yovani Gallardo isn’t focusing on the swirling rumors that could see his departure. Secondly, the Brewers (34-50) lost to the Washington Nationals (43-42) yesterday afternoon, splitting the four game series.

Trade rumors are the last thing on the mind of Yovani Gallardo. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Lately, there have been rumors going around that the Brewers may trade Gallardo to the Arizona Diamondbacks for starting pitcher Tyler Skaggs. While there hasn’t been much life to the discussion, Gallardo continues to focus on his pitching rather than a new location.

“You can think about it all you want, but there’s nothing you can do,” Gallardo said. “There’s really nothing you can do. You just have to go out there and pitch, and then wait around to see what happens.” – via Brewers.com

It’s unknown whether or not the Brewers will trade Gallardo or even Kyle Lohse, but as the trade deadlines comes there may be some moves. This season, Gallardo is 6-8 with an ERA of 4.78, a WHIP of 1.46 and has 82 strikeouts in 101.2 innings pitched. Gallardo’s next start is scheduled for Saturday night.

Yesterday afternoon, the Brewers lost 8-5 to the Nationals. Rookie Donovan Hand took the mound for Milwaukee and fared well, but did not receive a decision. Hand pitched five innings and allowed three runs, six hits, three walks and struck out four. The bullpen gave up five runs, with the loss being charged to Tom Gorzelanny, his first on the year. Brandon Kintzler gave up a three-run homer in the seventh inning to Wilson Ramos that gave the Nats an 8-5 lead.

For the Nationals, rookie Taylor Jordan started and performed well, but like Hand, did not receive a decision. Jordan pitched 5 2/3 innings while allowing two runs, six hits and struck out three. Drew Storen gave up three runs in relief, but still picked up his third win of the season while closer Rafael Soriano notched his 22nd save of the season in the ninth inning.

The Brewers struck early in the first inning when Jonathan Lucroy hit a single that scored Jean Segura. In the sixth, Juan Francisco hit a single that scored Carlos Gomez by advancing on the play. Yuniesky Betancourt hit a solo homer in the seventh and soon after that Gomez hit a two-run homer.

Tonight the Brewers head home to play the New York Mets for a three-game series this weekend. The projected starters in tonight’s game, beginning at 8:10 p.m. ET / 7:10 p.m. CT, are Zack Wheeler (1-1, 5.06 ERA) for New York and Johnny Hellweg (0-1, 20.25 ERA) for Milwaukee.