Milwaukee Brewers: Why was Josh Tomlin released?

The Milwaukee Brewers announced that Josh Tomlin opted out of his contract, and was released on Wednesday. Why didn’t he get reassigned to Minor League camp, and could he return to the organization?

Josh Tomlin was brought in to the fold as a non-roster invitee with an invite to Spring Training. He was a depth signing for one of the deepest pitching staffs in the Major Leagues. It’s not a surprise that he didn’t win a spot on the Milwaukee Brewers’ 25-man roster, but it is a surprise to see him back on the market. Is there any chance he returns to the organization to round out the Triple-A rotation?

Did his contract have special clauses?

It did! The Milwaukee Brewers had to advise Tomlin of his status for Opening Day. With Brandon Woodruff, Freddy Peralta, and Chase Anderson in the mix for the rotation, Tomlin wasn’t going to work his way into a starting role.

How as Tomlin’s Spring?

Tomlin made three starts and two relief appearances for the Milwaukee Brewers this Spring. He logged 15 innings, and posted a 4.80 ERA and a 0.93 WHIP. He managed nine strikeouts, two walks, and was tagged for three homers. Tomlin looked exactly like the guy he’s been for the past few seasons. He worked around the strike zone, gave up a couple gopher balls, and generally gobbled up innings.

What will Tomlin do now?

He’s going to look for a job. Whether he can find a role in a Major League rotation remains to be seen, but there should be plenty of Minor League deals available for teams in need of a veteran starter.

Tomlin did leave the door open for a return, and spoke highly of the Milwaukee Brewers clubhouse on his way out. If he can’t find a deal for a 25-man roster spot with another team, he could very well end up in Triple-A with the San Antonio Missions after all. Tomlin is an acceptable ‘just-in-case’ guy for a contender like the Brewers to stash in the Minors. There’s also a non-zero chance that Tomlin could get voted a ring and a playoff share if the team can win a World Series.