Milwaukee Brewers: Why is Zach Davies on the IL?

The Milwaukee Brewers have done it. With Zach Davies heading to the Injured List, they don’t have a single member of the Opening Day rotation still starting. When can the Brewers expect Davies to return?

Zach Davies was the last man standing in the Milwaukee Brewers starting rotation. He was the only starter who hadn’t spent time on the IL, sent to the bullpen, or demoted. Brandon Woodruff and Jhoulys Chacin are currently on the Injured List. Freddy Peralta is stuck in the bullpen. Corbin Burnes has gone from bad to hurt to bad to demoted. Davies has joined the rest of his rotation mates by coming down with back spasms.

How was Davies throwing before he needed time off?

Davies started the 2019 season hot for the Milwaukee Brewers, but he’s cooled off recently. His ERA sits at 3.74 in 23 starts this year. He’s worked 122 2/3 innings, struck out 78, walked 41, and surrendered 17 homers.

According to reports, his back locked up during his last start, and Davies hasn’t felt right in a while.

The upcoming off days will allow Davies to miss just two starts, and get a much needed break.

How long will Davies be out?

It sounds like the Milwaukee Brewers are expecting Davies back after the minimum stay on the 10-day Injured List. He’s likely to return by the middle of the month.

Who starts now?

The Milwaukee Brewers called up Devin Williams to take Davies’ spot on the roster. The team also optioned Aaron Wilkerson, and called up Jacob Faria from Triple-A. It looks like the team will roll with Faria, Gio Gonzalez, Chase Anderson, Jordan Lyles, and Adrian Houser for now. While members of the current rotation of had their bright spots this year, the current rotation looks more appropriate for San Antonio, not Milwaukee.

The Milwaukee Brewers have been in trouble with their rotation for a few weeks. They didn’t add a quality starter at the trade deadline, and they’ve been hit with a run of injuries. It’s a challenge for even the best teams to stay in the playoff race with one or two missing starters, and the Brewers have four on the Injured List with two that have been sent to the bullpen or the Minors. The team needs to get healthy, or a few of the extra guys need to really step up. Or both. Davies will return shortly, but it remains to be seen if he’ll be coming back to a team in the hunt for a playoff spot, or a team clearly on the outside looking in.