Milwaukee Brewers: Is Chase Their Ace?

When the Milwaukee Brewers acquired Chase Anderson, in the deal that sent Jean Segura to the Arizona Diamondbacks on January 30th, 2016, a lot of fans were surprised at the haul the team received.  At the time, Anderson was just getting his feet wet in the majors, as he had made his debut on May 11th, 2014.

In Anderson, the Milwaukee Brewers were getting a 28 year-old project. In his previous Major League seasons, he accumulated a record of 15-13 with an era of 4.18. His results showed some promise, but it usually takes a few years for a starting pitcher to really find his command, and develop what he has in his arsenal.

When he first started with the Brewers, Anderson showed that he has what it takes to be a consistent starter in a Major League rotation. In 2016, Anderson finished with a record of 9-11 and an era of 4.39, but let’s not forget a very impressive stat that will not show up in any score books.

Last year, Anderson flirted with several no-hitters, even taking a perfect game into the seventh inning against the ruthless offense of the Chicago Cubs. It’s very impressive that a pitcher who really didn’t have much experience at the highest level was able to come close to achieving not only one, but multiple no-hitters in a season.

It doesn’t really count to come close and not finish a no-hitter, but Anderson may very well complete no-hitter, or a perfect game possibly this season, if he continues on his current path.

On Wednesday against the Toronto Blue Jays, he looked absolutely dominant yet again, as he lowered his season era from 1.50 to a 0.69, while tossing seven scoreless innings.

He once again flirted with another no-no late into the game.  However, the Anderson we saw on Wednesday just seems different from years past. He is commanding his off-speed pitches with precision, and his confidence to throw them in a hitters’ count appears to be growing.

A great example would be him escaping the bases-loaded jam when he dropped a change-up on the outside corner to Russell Martin. Anderson was clearly willing to play with fire against one of the league’s best catchers.

Next: What's New With Brewers Starter Wily Peralta?

It is hard to believe that Anderson was scheduled to start the year in the bullpen in favor of Matt Garza. Brewers manager Craig Counsell and company will need to figure out a new plan because there is no way Anderson should be taken out of the rotation the way he is dealing.