Milwaukee Brewers: Zach Davies return date set?

The Milwaukee Brewers have scheduled Zach Davies first start back. However, the opponent comes as a bit of a surprise. Why would the Brewers send Davies out there in such an important series?

Milwaukee Brewers starter Zach Davies is scheduled to start on September 3rd against the Chicago Cubs in Wrigley Field. Davies will face off against Cole Hamels in a key NL Central match up on Labor Day. Is this really the best way to bring Davies back into the rotation?

Why would the Brewers send Davies out in a big game?

Truth be told, every game is a big game from here on out for the Milwaukee Brewers. Whether they’re playing a division rival or an inter-league game, they have to win as many as possible.

However, the answer as to why Davies was considered for this particular start lies in his career numbers. Since making his Major League debut in 2015, Davies owns a 4.01 ERA in six starts in Wrigley Field. He also posted a 3.66 ERA in five starts against the Chicago Cubs last year.

How important is this series?

The Milwaukee Brewers need to win this series if they want to contend for the division and hang on to the NL Wild Card. A series loss or a sweep would put the division out of reach, and toss them back into the pack for the Wild Card.

The Brewers are currently five games behind the Cubs for the division, and two games up on the Colorado Rockies for the second Wild Card. The Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers are right behind the Rockies. A bad week or a bad series could cause the Wild Card race to swing rapidly.

Does this strategy make sense?

Well, if the Milwaukee Brewers think Davies is behind his injuries and ready to overcome the issues he had early in the season, then yes.

The Brewers are banking on Davies continued success against the Cubs at a time when they really need someone in their rotation to step up.

Coming into August 31st, the Brewers own a National League worst 5.50 ERA in the month of August. The fact that the team went 12-13 and could end the month 13-13 with a win today shows that their offense has stepped up this month.

Davies is returning to the team at a time when they can’t afford to have anyone in the starting rotation struggle. A healthy Davies could provide the late season boost that the Milwaukee Brewers have needed, but haven’t acquired…yet.