Milwaukee Brewers: Taylor Jungmann Should Get the Call to Start

It was supposed to happen years ago. When the Milwaukee Brewers drafted Taylor Jungmann with the 12th pick of the 2011 draft out of the University of Texas, he looked to be a sure fire major league prospect that was supposed to fly through the minor leagues, but that never happened. Now a 25-year-old prospect with a spot open in the major league rotation, there is not a better time than now to give him a shot at the major league level.

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Were the Brewers in a playoff race, (or even in a situation that they could possibly turn things around) I may feel differently and give the nod to Thornburg, but that is not the case. Playing 16-games under .500 and in the cellar of the National League Central, it is finally time to see what Jungmann can bring at the next level.

No longer viewed as a future ace around the league, Jungmann still has potential to be a mid-rotation starter at the major league level who could be vital in the next few years. With a new demeanor this spring, he came to camp impressive and he could open eyes as the last man in the rotation.

Last season, Jungmann finally started to put things together when he went 12-10 with a 3.57 overall at AA Huntsville and AAA Nashville. Pounding the zone and showing poise on the mound, he finally looked to be showing the potential they saw when they drafted the former Texas-ace.

So far in AAA Colorado Springs this season however, he has not gotten many of the results that he has been looking for. Currently through nine appearances, (seven starts) Jungmann has an ERA of 6.90 ERA and a 42-22 strikeout to walk rate.Though these numbers have been poor, he has been hurt also by an inflated .386 BABIP.

Yes the numbers that he has shown do not scream of a promotion the way that Nelson’s and Fiers’ numbers did last season, but with no race to play for this season, it is time to see what Jungmann has got. As a ground-ball specialist, Jungmann has only allowed one home run this season at a homer haven in Colorado Springs. This could prove to be very important while pitching in Miller Park, too.

With a rebuild on the way, Jungmann will need to show that he can be counted on to not only eat innings, but get the job done in the middle of the rotation. His next AAA start is set for Thursday night which will put him in line to make the start in Milwaukee on regular rest.

Whoever does get the call will be tested right out the gates as the Brewers will battle the St. Louis Cardinals who not only control the Central but also are atop the National League. It won’t be an easy way to get going, but I fully believe that it is time to see what Jungmann can do.

Next: Jimmy Nelson Out-Pitching Gallardo

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