Milwaukee Brewers: How Much Should Jonathan Schoop Play In October?

The Milwaukee Brewers acquired Jonathan Schoop on July 31st with the idea of him being a big bat in their lineup. That hasn’t panned out so far.

Since Schoop was such a high profile acquisition, it would’ve been easy for many to think that he would play a large role for the Milwaukee Brewers down the stretch. Now, it’s fair to wonder if he’ll see the field much at all in the postseason.

In the Game 2 lineup that will face Tyler Anderson, a left handed pitcher, Hernan Perez and Travis Shaw got the starts in the middle infield. Normally, Schoop would get a spot in the lineup against a lefty pitcher, but that won’t be the case in Game 2.

Jonathan Schoop As A Brewer

Schoop got off to a rough start with the Milwaukee Brewers in August. He slashed .205/.256/.356 in August with three home runs, four walks, and 22 strikeouts in 73 ABs.

Somehow, his month of September was even worse. He slashed .196/.232/.294 with one homer, three walks, and 19 strikeouts. Those 19 strikeouts came in only 51 ABs. That’s a 37% strikeout rate.

Since he’s joined the Milwaukee Brewers, Schoop has struck out 30.6% of the time. With the Orioles this season, Schoop struck out in only 20.2% of his ABs.

How Much Should He Play?

A player needs regular at bats to get into a groove at the plate. But now that the Brewers are in the postseason, they can’t afford to keep on running Schoop out there hoping he’ll get into a groove. If he hasn’t been able to find a rhythm at the plate after two months, the season is just a lost cause at this point.

I don’t think the Brewers should give Jonathan Schoop any starts in October. They can use him as a pinch hitting option in low pressure situations where the offense isn’t in desperate need of a hit or contact being made.

Travis Shaw has been a serviceable defensive second baseman and even against lefties, I’d take my chances with Shaw at the plate instead of Schoop. Shaw doesn’t strike out near as much as Schoop and is more likely to make contact.

Schoop has been a frustrating acquisition to say the least. He hasn’t shown the ability to hit in Milwaukee like he did in Baltimore. While guys like Mike Moustakas, Christian Yelich, and Lorenzo Cain have adjusted well to their new city, Schoop is the only new acquisition who hasn’t produced like he was expected to.

The Brewers can hope that Schoop will be able to get his head right for Spring Training and improve at the plate for next season. Otherwise, they do have the option of trading or non-tendering him this winter.