Milwaukee Brewers: Jeffress’ Status Undecided For Opening Day

All-Star Milwaukee Brewers pitcher, Jeremy Jeffress, was untouchable and dangerous on the mound for most of the 2018 season.  But when it came to making a memory in the Postseason, Jeffress seemed to not be “The Fireman” we knew him as in the beginning of the year.

As it was found out later on, Jeremy Jeffress was playing with an injured shoulder the last few weeks of the season causing him to somewhat crumble in big scenarios–especially in the NLCS.

2019 Spring Training

To many, Spring Training is a time where we put the previous season behind you and look forward on what to could be improved on to hone in your craft. Jeffress saw this as a benefit and hopefully could get back into the shape that he once had in 2018.

That wouldn’t be the case as Jeffress still felt discomfort in the same shoulder when he made his Spring Training debut last Sunday. The flame thrower only threw three pitches and was then removed from the game after he felt some pain in his rotator cuff. The velocity on his fastball dropped increasingly according to the radar gun.

Looking Ahead

When asked if he will be on the roster for Opening Day, Jeffress seemed to make it known that he wants to take time and make sure he’s at 100% before returning and not being able to pitch through pain:

"“I’m going to finish the program that the trainers have set for me and make sure everything is feeling good before I even try to let it go full potential.  I’m trying to get the arm strong, body good, and it will be fine.”-Jeffress when asked about returning for Opening Day (brewers.com)."

It would not be a surprise to see Jeffress on the injured list for the first game and home opener against rivals, St. Louis Cardinals.  More than likely, expect to see Jeffress back in the bullpen late April, or early May.  At least that’s the time table he said would like to return.

Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell told Jeffress, “If you can put health at the forefront more than days of the year … just put health first, goals/landmarks second”.  As it sounds, Counsell isn’t looking to rush both Jeffress and returning pitcher Jimmy Nelson.  Don’t worry though Brewers’ fans, you should expect to see both pitchers before the 2019 season ends.