Milwaukee Brewers: Why didn’t Adrian Houser make the roster?

There’s clearly still a competition for the final few bullpen spots on the Milwaukee Brewers roster, but Adrian Houser is already out. What kept Houser off the Brewers Opening Day roster?

Adrian Houser came into Spring Training with an outside shot to make the roster, but he would probably be among the final cuts. Well, Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell had seen enough as Houser was sent to Minor League camp a few days ago. Why didn’t Houser get more consideration for the 25-man roster?

How was Houser’s Spring?

On the surface? Not bad. Houser tossed 8 1/3 innings over seven appearances and managed a 2.16 ERA. He also struck out seven and didn’t allow a homer, but he walked six and posted a 1.32 WHIP.

The only negative mark that occurred during Houser’s Spring was the walks, and that’s likely what got him reassigned. Walks by a reliever are a great way to turn inherited runners into runs, and leads into deficits. The Brewers also have a ton of depth in their pitching staff, and have other options who won’t walk a batter per inning.

What role will Houser fill at Triple-A?

Houser spent all his time in the bullpen in the Spring, and the Milwaukee Brewers have a ton of starting pitching depth. Houser will likely end up in the San Antonio Missions’ bullpen.

When will we see Houser again?

That really depends on the Milwaukee Brewers’ bullpen. If they have to burn through relievers early, they’ll need to play the 2019 version of relief pitcher roulette. They’ll shuffle a few guys to Triple-A, and Houser will get the call to eat up a few innings to take the pressure off the top guys.

Houser was an early pick as a breakout candidate for 2019, and that could still happen for him. The Milwaukee Brewers showed that they use their 40-man roster smarter than most teams, and Houser will be up at some point. All it takes is a few solid appearances in the Majors, and Houser should work himself into a regular role with the Brewers relief corps. It’s likely disappointing for Houser to get reassigned to Minor League camp, but it’s far from the end of his season.