Milwaukee Brewers: No plan in place for Gio Gonzalez?

When the Milwaukee Brewers added Gio Gonzalez, the hope for fans was that he was going to be a veteran southpaw mixed into the starting five. Apparently, there is no plan for Gonzalez as of yet.

A few options

According to Adam McCalvy, “there is still no clear plan for Gio Gonzalez.” When it comes to being put into the rotation. He will instead work out of the bullpen in the upcoming series against the Cubs. Could this have something to do with the timing of Gonzalez being acquired and that he last pitched on Thursday?

Or is there something more to it? Gonzalez, if he starts, would be able to get six starts with an opportunity for more if the Milwaukee Brewers make it into October.

Judging by what the Milwaukee Brewers gave up in shortstop prospect Gilbert Lara, who was in their top 30 prospects, and catching prospect KJ Harrison, they may want to maximize his appearances and start Gio in a long relief role.

What if he stays in the bullpen?

The least likely option of Gonzalez remaining in the pen would be a horrible decision on the Milwaukee Brewers part if they chose to go that route. Not only would it contradict the trade entirely, but it would not add any solution to the main problem: the starting rotation’s inconsistencies.

Could Junior Guerra’s next start impact the decision?

Absolutely, yes. Junior Guerra’s next start will certainly make the decision of where Gonzalez fits on this team.

If Guerra’s struggles continue on Sunday against Washington, the team could swap him out of the starting five for Gonzalez. Guerra would go to the bullpen and the Brewers would add an experienced starter to their rotation.

The fact that the Milwaukee Brewers have not made a plan for Gonzalez is quite odd. Usually when a team adds someone with that much success in his career, they stick with what they know best. In Gonzalez’s case that is starting every fifth day and doing his best to help improve the current rotation.