Milwaukee Brewers: State of the starting rotation

The Milwaukee Brewers could go a few different routes with a call-up. The obvious choice would be Brandon Woodruff or Paolo Espino.

Espino has been up and down with Milwaukee already a couple times this season. He hasn’t shown much in his 17 2/3 innings. With a 6.62 ERA, Espino has surrendered five home runs already. The only role he should fill should be in the bullpen at best.

He has been much better with Colorado Springs however. In 63 1/3 innings, he’s surrendered only 10 home runs along with only nine walks. He has shown he can get outs at that level. He should help the pitching staff in one way or another down the stretch.

The best bet would be on Woodruff. He was all set to make his Major League debut in June. A hamstring injury during warmups kept that from happening. He hasn’t wowed anybody since coming off the DL and playing for Colorado Springs.

In three games since coming the DL, he has pitched 9 1/3 innings. He is 0-1 with a 6.75 ERA and a whopping .419 BAbip. Not awe inspiring numbers, but in 63 1/3 innings before the injury he sported a 4.12 ERA. His BAbip was still high at .303, but much more respectable.

Woodruff is a name to keep an eye on either way. He has good enough stuff to help the back end of the rotation now or next season. His presence will be felt in the Major Leagues soon.

The darkhorse candidate here would be the Milwaukee Brewers top pitching prospect Luis Ortiz. Acquired in the Jonathan Lucroy trade last summer, Ortiz has impressed this year with Double-A Biloxi.

In 17 games Ortiz is 4-5. In 80 2/3 innings. He has a 3.57 ERA and a solid .242 BAbip. He throws strikes at 61% clip, so he’s not afraid to attack the zone. His 72 strikeouts show a good ability to get the ball by the hitter consistently. He will get his opportunity. If not this season, it will come next year.

The situation isn’t as dire as it seems. These are only three options highlighted from the minors. A player could emerge from out of nowhere as this season winds down. One of these three could be that player.