Milwaukee Brewers: Why is Freddy Peralta returning next week?

Milwaukee Brewers prospect Freddy Peralta is scheduled to return to the Majors next Tuesday. Why are they turning to a guy that they’ve already called up and sent down?

Freddy Peralta had an impressive run with the Milwaukee Brewers in May. Peralta made two starts, threw 9 2/3 innings, and racked up 18 strikeouts. 13 K’s came in his first start alone. However, it’s clear that Peralta still needs to develop a useful third pitch.

Why are the Brewers calling up Peralta?

Well, they need a fifth starter. The Milwaukee Brewers are still waiting on Zach Davies to get healthy, and they’re playing the roster game. They’ll likely call up Peralta for the start against the Pittsburgh Pirates on June 19th.

But, why Peralta?

Beyond just ‘needing a fifth starter’, there are other reasons why the Milwaukee Brewers are turning to Peralta instead of the other options available in Triple-A. Since going back to Colorado Springs, Peralta has made five starts. He owns a 1.48 ERA in that stretch with 38 strikeouts and 10 walks in 24 1/3 innings of work.

It’s clear that the Brewers noticed what Peralta was up to because he was pulled after only three innings in his start on June 14th. He was limited to help line up his regular rest with the start against the Pirates on June 19th.

Why is this concerning?

Peralta has the potential to develop into a solid starter at the Major League level, but it’s best to temper expectations. He still doesn’t have a change up that he can rely on. Peralta has a fantastic fastball and backs it up with a solid curveball. The problem is that Major League hitters can sit on one or the other, and hit it a long way when it shows up.

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Peralta looked dominant in his first effort against a team that had never seen him. He then struggled his second time out because Major League hitters had a better idea of what was coming. It’s great to see Peralta get a second chance after succeeding in the Minors, but he still has work to do.