Milwaukee Brewers: Who Leaves The Rotation If Zach Davies Returns?

The Milwaukee Brewers have been trying to get Zach Davies back in the rotation for some time now. Now that he appears close to returning, who makes room for him in the rotation?

Setback after setback, Zach Davies might finally be back in the big leagues. The Milwaukee Brewers have gotten by so far without him since he went on the DL in late May. His stats this year haven’t been great, but getting him back out there is important, at the very least to build up some trade value for the winter.

The biggest thing that’s held Davies back from a return is a general lack of success against what should be lesser competition in his rehab starts. In seemingly every single rehab start, Davies has allowed several runs, while showing a lack of command of the strike zone, walking numerous batters.

In nine rehab starts, Davies has a 6.19 ERA covering 32 innings, which averages out to less than four innings a start. He’s allowed 22 runs in those 32 innings, and has walked 15 batters.

These starts cover time at Low-A Wisconsin, Double-A Biloxi, and Triple-A Colorado Springs. If he can’t get guys out and be effective at the lower levels, how can the Milwaukee Brewers trust him to get guys out in the big leagues during a pennant race?

That’s what’s taken him so long to return. He originally only needed three starts on his latest assignment. That turned into four starts after he struggled in the first three. After struggling in the fourth start, Davies is scheduled for another rehab start soon.

Can Davies Be Put In The Brewers Rotation?

Not until he starts having success. If his next rehab start covers six innings, and he allows no runs and no walks, he’ll likely be back in the big leagues right after. If he struggles again, the Brewers might be running out of options. A single rehab assignment can only last a maximum of 30 days.

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The argument could be made that, even when healthy, Davies isn’t a better pitcher than any of the five starters currently in the rotation. In that case, would the Brewers consider putting Davies in the bullpen as the long reliever while he gets his wits about him?

Who Could Leave The Rotation?

If Davies has a quality outing in his next rehab start and the Milwaukee Brewers decide to activate him and put him in the rotation, someone is going to be displaced. Who could that be?

Jhoulys Chacin is the best starter they currently have, he’s locked in. Chase Anderson has struggled, but he’s not getting bounced. Wade Miley has pitched well after making some adjustments this season. That leaves Junior Guerra and Freddy Peralta.

Guerra has had a rough stretch over the past month, but he’s been solid overall, and the Brewers can’t forget about his strong eight inning performance following a late night in Los Angeles. Freddy Peralta has a ton of talent, and a bright future ahead of him. But he’s been struggling early in games which puts the Brewers at an early disadvantage.

Peralta is a big part of the future for the Milwaukee Brewers, but right now, it makes more sense to go with an experienced arm like Guerra instead of the 22 year old rookie down the stretch.

If the Brewers are going to add Zach Davies to the rotation, Freddy Peralta makes the most sense to make room for him. There’s always the possibility that Davies goes to the bullpen, but don’t count on it.

If the Milwaukee Brewers are going to make the playoffs and make a run, they need all of their best arms available.