Milwaukee Brewers: How prospects will change the roster

On June 12, 2017, the Milwaukee Brewers are still on top of the NL Central. In addition to the team’s place in the standings, they have also added with not one, but three top prospect call-ups in the span of a week. There is a big question mark above these prospects regarding their level of production, but the real question is who among the three are here for the long haul?

Lewis Brinson, Josh Hader, and Brett Phillips are all now on the 25-man roster and have all made their MLB debuts.  All three didn’t appear to be in over their heads when they received their first Major League action.

Phillips debuted at Miller Park, he recorded his first outfield assist and he snagged his first MLB hit in the same game.

Hader made his first appearance in the desert at Chase Field. He pitched a clean inning of relief and allowed one walk to the first batter he ever faced, Gregor Blanco. He recorded his first big league strikeout by catching Jake Lamb looking on a 96 MPH heater that ended the inning.

Top prospect Lewis Brinson also made his much anticipated MLB debut at Chase Field. He lead off against one of the best pitchers in baseball right now, Robbie Ray.  Brinson’s first at-bat was as Major League as it can get. He worked the count and put the barrel on the ball, but he was robbed of his first hit in his first at-bat by shortstop Nick Ahmed.

The good news is that Brinson looked very comfortable and confident at the plate. He managed to draw two walks and notch his first stolen base of his promising career.

Could these young prospects make an impact on the roster long term?

If these young, talented players can prove they are worth it, where would they fit and who would they replace?

Now the pressure is on for the Milwaukee Brewers. Not just to try to stay in first place, but to also determine who should be in the starting nine for the most crucial months of the season, while also developing the future of this team.

How Lewis Brinson can stay

Brinson could simply remain with the club if they decide to make a roster move. One major trend we are seeing is that there are some players struggling in more ways than one. Take Keon Broxton. He hit a home-run in the ninth inning off of D-Backs reliever Silvino Bracho. It did not mean much as the bullpen had already surrendered ten runs.

Before that home-run, Broxton was in a horrid slump at the dish, going 4-for-48 prior to his homer. We already know he is a streaky hitter, but now that Lewis Brinson is in the majors, the pressure is on for Keon to really kick it into high gear. Brinson will eventually show why he is the Brewers top prospect, and he’ll need full-time at-bats. The end result would mean that Broxton would become a fourth outfielder, or be dealt for much-needed pitching depth.

Josh Hader’s opportunity

Speaking of pitching, that brings us to our next potential long-term solution. Out of the bullpen… for now. Other than closer Corey Knebel, the bullpen is struggling. This presents a perfect opportunity for Hader to become the top left-handed option in the bullpen. The fact that he is a southpaw just increases his odds of sticking around long term.

To make room for Hader, there are at least five moves that could be made to open up a spot. This you already know. Especially if you watched the most recent game against the D-Backs. More specifically, after Chase Anderson was taken out.

Brett Phillips has a chance

Phillips was called up after Travis Shaw went on paternity leave. He was also meant to help against Jeff Samardzija. Brewers manager Craig Counsell wanted an extra left-handed bat in the lineup that day. Phillips was then sent down, but never left the team due to Travis Shaw leaving once again.

He made a couple of starts against the D-backs and he notched his second MLB hit. However, it looks like he still needs a little seasoning in the Minor Leagues. He doesn’t seem to have great plate  discipline. Prospects like that do not stay long because it could hurt his confidence. Out of the three mentioned, he will be the one sent back to Triple-A Colorado Springs when one of our three injured players to return.

Next: Why David Stearns Is The Next Great GM

It’s clear that the Brewers have an interesting summer ahead of them.  With more prospects soon to show up at Miller Park, what do you think the Milwaukee Brewers lineup should look like come July or August?