Milwaukee Brewers: How long until Zach Davies returns?

Milwaukee Brewers starter Zach Davies is still working his way back from back and shoulder injuries. He’s been sidelined since late May, but could return in the next few weeks.

When Zach Davies first hit the DL back in late May, he was expected to return after a few weeks. ‘A few weeks’ has turned into a few months after a few setbacks, but Davies well on his way to a return to the Milwaukee Brewers.

Has Davies made any rehab starts?

Yes! Davies worked 2 1/3 innings in relief on July 27th in Single-A. He struck out four, and didn’t allow a hit or a walk.

He also threw 53 pitches in a rehab start with the Colorado Springs Sky Sox in Triple-A on August 2nd. Davies was tagged for five earned runs on four hits and three walks in 2 2/3 innings of work.

Davies made a second start with the Sky Sox on August 6th. He worked 4 2/3 innings and allowed only one run on five hits and two walks. He also fanned two. 49 of his 79 pitches went for strikes.

How long until Davies returns?

Assuming Davies doesn’t suffer any more setbacks in the next few weeks, he could return before the end of the month. It’s expected that he’d need at least two more starts before his start on August 6th. If he starts on regular rest, his next rehab appearance should occur on August 12th. If that goes well, his first start back with the Milwaukee Brewers could happen on August 17th or 18th in St. Louis.

How was Davies doing before the injury?

Not great.

Davies made eight starts for the Milwaukee Brewers and managed a 5.23 ERA in 43 innings. He was averaging fewer than six innings per start, and managed to allow seven homers.

His 4.80 xFIP indicates that he was a bit better than his actual numbers, and his 6.49 K/9 is higher than the 5.83 mark he posted in 2017. However, it’s unclear how long he was trying to work through shoulder issues, and the injury could have impacted his early performance.

While a trade for a starter such as Chris Archer or Kevin Gausman would have provided a bigger boost, getting Davies back adds stability to the Milwaukee Brewers rotation. Davies is a capable innings eater, and his return means that the Brewers won’t have to play ‘roster roulette’ or try to patchwork their rotation. He’s a proven Major League starter, and his return should help down the stretch.