Milwaukee Brewers: Adrian Houser gets his shot at the rotation

The Milwaukee Brewers have announced Adrian Houser as the starter for Monday’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals. But can Houser emerge as a long term answer for the rotation?

The Milwaukee Brewers won’t turn to Burch Smith for their open spot in the rotation. Adrian Houser will get the call from Triple-A and make his first start on Monday. Is this just a spot start or could Houser actually stake a claim to a starting role at the Major League level.

How did Houser do in Triple-A?

Houser has made three starts for the San Antonio Missions, and owns a 1.10 ERA. He’s worked 16 1/3 innings, managed 18 strikeouts, walked three, and the only runs he’s allowed have come off a pair of solo homers. Houser has been fantastic since moving from Spring Training to Triple-A.

What about last year?

Houser earned a late season call up for the Milwaukee Brewers, and made seven appearances. He worked 13 2/3 innings, and managed a 3.29 ERA. He struck out eight, walked seven, and didn’t give up any homers.

Is this a long-term role?

Is any spot in the Milwaukee Brewers rotation a long term role right now? Aside from Jhoulys Chacin and Zach Davies, everyone else could end up replaced at some point.

Houser will likely end up in a ‘start-to-start’ role with the Milwaukee Brewers for now. A quality start or a solid performance will be enough to earn another chance.

Jimmy Nelson is expected back at some point in the next month. Corbin Burnes will likely work his way back into favor. Freddy Peralta will also return to the rotation at some point in the next few weeks. Houser can hold all three of them off, but he’d need to deliver consistent innings and solid results.

Houser has just turned 26 years old, and he’s been playing as a professional for eight years. The time is right for Houser to put it together and emerge as an option for the starting rotation. He’s getting an opportunity. It’s up to him to deliver and prove that he can take the ball every fifth day for the Milwaukee Brewers. He’ll get his first shot on Monday against the St. Louis Cardinals.