Milwaukee Brewers: How did Zach Davies look in his return?

Milwaukee Brewers starter Zach Davies was activated off the 10-day Injured List prior to Monday’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals. How did Davies look in his return

For what feels like the 83rd time this year, the Milwaukee Brewers optioned Aaron Wilkerson back to Triple-A before Monday night’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals. Zach Davies was activated off the Injured List and thrown back into a key game against an NL Central rival. How did Davies look?

Why was Davies out again?

Davies was placed on the 10-day IL on August 5th with back spasms. He threw bullpen sessions on August 10th and 14th, and was given a clean bill of health over the weekend. His activation had been expected for a few games prior to Monday night’s opening game of a three-game set between the Milwaukee Brewers and the St. Louis Cardinals.

What kind of results did Davies post?

He did well, but clearly looked like a guy who hadn’t been facing Major League hitters for a few weeks. Davies tossed five innings and allowed two runs, both earned. Davies gave up three hits and two walks while striking out four. He threw 75 pitches total, and 51 went for strikes. He also recorded six ground outs, and only two fly outs.

Davies was stuck with the loss thanks in part to the Milwaukee Brewers offense disappearing. The team only managed one hit and five walks in nine innings against the Cardinals.

The Milwaukee Brewers were desperate for a boost to their rotation, and Davies didn’t let them down. The team also needed innings from Chase Anderson on Sunday, and that went…poorly. It’s sad to say, but a starter going five innings for the Brewers is cause to celebrate after the pitching performances over the past two days.

Davies has developed into a vital innings eater for the Milwaukee Brewers, and the team needs him taking the ball every fifth day. He was limited on Monday night due to the layoff. He should be able to toss 90-to-100 pitches every time out as long as his back doesn’t give him any more trouble.

Davies won’t move the needle, but his presence virtually guarantees that Jordan Lyles won’t be starting. Lyles is capable in the bullpen, but isn’t a starting pitcher on a playoff contender.