Milwaukee Brewers: Spring Training Position Battles

Who makes the starting rotation?

Well, Jhoulys Chacin and Corbin Burnes are as close to locks in the Milwaukee Brewers starting rotation as there is. After that, there are at least five pitchers vying for three spots.

Brandon Woodruff appears ready to make a leap. Freddy Peralta is on a similar path. Jimmy Nelson is also fully healthy, and looking to start on Opening Day. It’s unlikely that he gets the nod to take the ball on March 28th.

Zach Davies and Chase Anderson are also still on the 40-man roster, and under contract for 2019. While both should make the rotation under normal circumstances, there’s a non-zero chance that the Milwaukee Brewers start the season with both Davies and Anderson out of the rotation.

A trade of one would be ideal, but the Brewers have to find a partner to make a deal with. If it hasn’t happened by now, it may not happen at all.

It wouldn’t come as a huge shock to see the Milwaukee Brewers start the year with an unusual rotation construction to keep their arms fresh. They could also use the 10-Day DL to stash starters, or play the ‘option’ game with a few of their younger starters. It’s clear that the Brewers value their depth, but it remains to be seen if it’s going to work out in their favor in 2019.