Milwaukee Brewers: Has Jake Petricka made the Opening Day roster?

Has Milwaukee Brewers reliever Jake Petricka locked up a roster spot? Let’s take a look at his current case for the Opening Day roster…

When the Milwaukee Brewers added reliever Jake Petricka on a Minor League contract with an invite to Spring Training, he looked like a long shot for the roster. Petricka has bounced around the league for the past few years and certainly looked like he was ticketed for Triple-A, at least at the start of the Spring.

Can Petricka’s solid Spring force him into the conversation for the Opening Day roster?

How good has Petricka been this Spring?

Really good. Petricka has appeared in seven games and managed a 2.25 ERA in eight innings. He’s racked up 10 strikeouts, only walked three, and hasn’t allowed a home run this Spring. He also managed to keep the ball on the ground more often than not, and owns a 2.75 GB:FB ratio. A reliever who racks up K’s, and keeps the ball on the ground? That sounds like a useful player for a contending team.

How about last season for Petricka?

He mad 41 appearances for the Toronto Blue Jays and managed a 4.53 ERA. He struck out 41, walked 16, and was tagged for six homers in a relief role. He’s currently three years, and a few injuries removed from a run of success with the Chicago White Sox.

What are the odds that he makes the Opening Day roster?

Right now? Very good. Bobby Wahl‘s injury thinned the competition for the final bullpen spot and Jeremy Jeffress‘ struggles have essentially paved the way for Petricka to make the roster.

Petricka is a solid bet to make the team out of Spring Training, but it remains to be seen if he’ll do enough to stay with the Milwaukee Brewers over the long haul. It sounds like Jeffress will return before the end of April, and the team will have to make a move. If Petricka is struggling or the team doesn’t have another option, he could end up in Triple-A when it’s time to make a move.

While the odds appear high for Petricka to make the Milwaukee Brewers right now, a few rough outings could change that. Petricka needs to continue racking up strikeouts, ground balls, and scoreless frames if he wants to secure his spot on the roster. The arrow is currently pointed in his direction, but he has about two more weeks before he’ll know for sure if he’s done enough to make the roster.