Milwaukee Brewers: A Hypothetical Six Man Rotation

The Milwaukee Brewers starting rotation is an ever evolving question mark. But with pitchers and catchers having reported, the answers will soon come.

Inspired by the Angels and their plan with Shohei Ohtani, I wanted to dive into the potential of a six man rotation for the Milwaukee Brewers. It is a very much unlikely scenario, but it is one that is interesting to think about. There will be a lot of arms vying for a rotation spot this spring. If nothing else, it gives the team an extended chance to see how the arms play out. And it bides time during Jimmy Nelson’s recovery.

If this were to happen, there would need to be six arms who can compete game in and game out. Without the true ace who should be throwing every five games, it could work. As of right now, it the only true locks for a spot are Chase Anderson, Zach Davies, and Jhoulys Chacin.

Beyond the third spot nothing is imminent. There are plenty of options to consider. In this totally hypothetical and largely unlikely strategy, all of the potential candidates for the fourth and fifth slots would have another spot to compete for.

Candidates

There are two arms who would greatly benefit from the move. Brandon Woodruff, who still has prospect status, is a favorite to win a rotation spot anyway. In a six man rotation, it could go as far to say he is a lock for a spot. Barring any craziness during Spring Training, he could walk away as the number four starter.

Yovani Gallardo is the other arm. His contract is flexible to where he lands, so it is not unrealistic to think in a six man scenario he will be in the back end. The former Milwaukee Brewers ace is hoping to bounce back from a string of less than impressive seasons in 2018. With more rotation spots, he would seem to be a favorite to take on a rotation role.

Other names in the mix are current rotation favorite Brent Suter, along with Aaron Wilkerson, Junior Guerra, and recently acquired Wade Miley. Josh Hader’s name might be in the running, except it is already known he will be starting the year in the bullpen. So, how would this shake out?