Milwaukee Brewers: Why is Aaron Brooks back in the Majors?

The Milwaukee Brewers announced that they’ve selected the contract of Aaron Brooks from Colorado Springs. Why is Brooks back in the Majors, and will he stick around?

After Wednesday night’s game, Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell stated that new arms would arrive on Thursday. Right-hander Ariel Hernandez was DFA’ed so that Aaron Brooks could get added to the 40-man roster and called up. What role will Brooks fill with the Brewers?

How did Brooks pitch for the Sky Sox?

Brooks has appeared in 26 games for the Colorado Springs Sky Sox in 2018. 15 appearances were starts, and 11 came in relief. Brooks threw 99 1/3 innings and posted a 3.35 ERA. He struck out 74 and walked 28, while surrendering eight homers.

Wasn’t he with the Sky Sox last year?

Yes! After his release by the Chicago Cubs, Brooks signed a Minor League deal with the Milwaukee Brewers. He made two starts for the Sky Sox before the season ended, and didn’t get a September call up.

Hasn’t Brooks pitched in the Majors before?

He did! He was last seen in a Major League uniform with the Oakland A’s in 2015. Brooks has an 8.38(!) ERA in 58 innings at the Major League level. Most of the damage was done in two appearances in 2014.

In his first cup of coffee in the Majors with the Kansas City Royals, Brooks made two appearances. He made one appearance in relief and made one start. He threw a total of 2 2/3 innings, and was pounded for 13 runs on 12 hits and three walks. He managed to strikeout two, and only allowed one homer.

He’s not that bad.

Why is Brooks up with the Brewers?

Brooks probably won’t make a start with the Milwaukee Brewers. He’s up to gobble up innings in case of a blowout or another marathon. He should appear in the rotation this year unless there’s an emergency.

Brooks is up for the rest of the year. Whether he gives up all the runs again, or manages to string together a few capable outings, Brooks will get to hang out in a Major League clubhouse until the end of the year, and gets a chance to participate in a champagne celebration. For a 28-year old journeyman, that’s all you can ask for at the end of a long baseball season.