Milwaukee Brewers: Zach Davies’ latest setback changes Deadline needs

The Milwaukee Brewers have been trying to get Zach Davies back in the rotations for some time now. But he’s unfortunately suffered another setback.

A pitcher can probably suffer only so many setbacks before the team shuts him down for the season. Zach Davies is now on his third setback I believe, after initially going on the DL with rotator cuff inflammation. He’s had a couple setbacks with his shoulder and now his back is acting up after throwing a simulated game on Monday.

It’s a rough week for the Milwaukee Brewers starting rotation. First Brent Suter goes down with a torn UCL, and now Davies’ return has been pushed back again. Now that rotation depth that has been so strong all year is getting tested.

The injuries to Suter and Davies leave Wade Miley as the regular fifth starter in the Milwaukee Brewers rotation. It’s unlikely that Miley can continue his level of production down the stretch.

Trade Deadline Plans

With questions still remaining about when Jimmy Nelson can return to the rotation, the Milwaukee Brewers will need to add a starting pitcher before the July 31 deadline. Before this injury, they could get by with they already had but it’s going to be difficult to argue that statement now.

David Stearns has said they are looking for a front of the rotation starter as opposed to a back-end, innings eater type pitcher. With a general lack of starting pitching available on the trade market, the cost to acquire a pitcher will be high.

The Brewers have been rumored to be connected to Chris Archer, Jacob DeGrom, and more recently, Sonny Gray as a few potential names to front this rotation.

The need becomes even greater now that three regular rotation members are injured for some length of time.

As it turns out, the timing of these injuries is beneficial to the Brewers. If the Suter and Davies injuries happened a week from now, after the trade deadline, GM David Stearns could’ve passed on a rotation addition because of their depth. With six days until the deadline, Stearns has plenty of time to decide on an addition and make the deal.

Next: Is Sonny Gray A Trade Possibility?

It’s a tough break for Davies, who was trying to build off a 17 win campaign last year. He’s only started eight games this season.