Milwaukee Brewers: Why is Aaron Wilkerson starting on Saturday?

The Milwaukee Brewers are pressing right-hander Aaron Wilkerson into action on Saturday against the Atlanta Braves. Why are they turning to Wilkerson? How long will he stay on the Major League roster?

Milwaukee Brewers left-hander Brent Suter is already on the 10-day DL with a forearm strain. Suter’s placement on the DL comes as a surprise. He did struggle in his most recent outing against the Minnesota Twins, but he didn’t leave with an injury. The Brewers are going to roll with 29-year old Aaron Wilkerson on Saturday. Was Brandon Woodruff busy?

How is Wilkerson doing this year?

Wilkerson has made seven starts and one relief appearance for the Colorado Springs Sky Sox at Triple-A this year. He owns a 2.08 ERA in 34 2/3 innings of work. Wilkerson has racked up 29 strikeouts while walking 17 and allowing only one homer.

Didn’t he make an appearance in the Majors this year?

He did. It…didn’t go well. Wilkerson gobbled up three innings of relief work, and was tagged for five runs by the Cincinnati Reds. He struck out three and didn’t walk any, but he surrendered a Grand Slam to Jose Peraza.

Why aren’t the Brewers going with Woodruff?

Good question. Woodruff last worked on July 2nd, and threw four innings in a start at Triple-A. He’s lined up to start on full rest this weekend. He has struggled in a few cups of coffee at the Major League level, and appears to have fallen out of favor.

Is there anyone else the Brewers could have gone with?

Top prospect Corbin Burnes has transitioned into a relief role, so he’s out. None of the injured starters are close to returning, so they’re out. Adrian Houser also exists and is probably the next internal guy to get a look. There really wasn’t anyone else the Milwaukee Brewers could have called up. Wilkerson is on full rest and has the pedigree. This pick makes sense even if it isn’t ideal.

Next: Can Keon Broxton stick on the Major League roster?

The Milwaukee Brewers are in a bit of a jam. One more injury to the starting rotation, and they could have to reach into the lower Minors, or go with a ‘bullpen day’. They don’t have to acquire a starter, but this current rash of injuries is testing their depth. The good news is that the All-Star break is right around the corner. A much needed rest is coming for the Brewers starting staff. Here’s hoping they make it there without having to search for a healthy starter.