Milwaukee Brewers Make Slew Of Bullpen Moves Amidst Struggles

The Milwaukee Brewers have had some issues in their bullpen so far in the 2019 season. On Monday, they made some changes to that group.

It’s no secret that the 2019 Milwaukee Brewers bullpen does not have the same kind of clout as it did in 2018. That has drawn the ire of some fans, but the Brewers are doing something about it at least.

No, they aren’t signing Craig Kimbrel to be the closer. Not yet at least.

What Transactions Did The Brewers Make?

Aaron Wilkerson goes to the IL with a foot bruise. He kind of filled that long reliever role since Chase Anderson has moved to fill in for the rotation while Corbin Burnes sorts through his issues in Triple-A. Wilkerson also allowed two runs in 1.2 innings during Sunday’s matinee against the Mets that put the game out of reach.

To replace him, Donnie Hart has been called up to the active roster. Hart was previously up with the Crew for a short amount of time before being sent down. The crafty lefty has thrown 2.1 innings for the Crew in two appearances with a 0.00 ERA. He figures to get a lot of frequent flyer miles between Milwaukee and San Antonio this season. Can’t hurt to have another lefty in the bullpen though.

Jay Jackson, minor league signee who spent the past few seasons over in Japan with the Hiroshima Carp, has been selected to join the 40 man roster. Jackson had a solid spring training and a strong start to the season in Triple-A. In seven games, Jackson hasn’t allowed a run in 8.2 innings, with only four hits allowed, two walks, and 14 strikeouts. He’s also closed three games for the Missions and could get some late inning situations with the Milwaukee Brewers.

To make room on the 40 man, reliever Alex Wilson has been designated for assignment. After a strong start to the season, Wilson has tailed off in recent outings, and his ERA has ballooned up to an unsightly 9.53 with a 2.12 WHIP. Wilson was signed at the end of spring training after being cut by the Indians. For the first week, Brewers fans wondered what the Indians were thinking in letting Wilson go. Now, we see where they were coming from.

Are These Good Moves?

They’re necessary at this point. Wilkerson’s injury is not a move made by choice, and Hart is a pitcher that has already seen time with the big league club this season.

Calling up Jackson and DFA’ing Wilson is more interesting. Wilson is the reliever struggling the most at the big league level and Jackson has been one of their better, if not best, relievers down in Triple-A San Antonio. They might as well give him a shot.

The Milwaukee Brewers are trying everything they can without being too drastic here early on in the season.