Milwaukee Brewers: Who’s the hottest hitter in September?

The Milwaukee Brewers are 17-4 in September and are on the verge of clinching a Wild Card. They’ve been so hot that they’re in a tie with the Washington Nationals for the top Wild Card spot. But which hitter has lead the team during their amazing September run?

If Christian Yelich were healthy, this wouldn’t be a question. Before Yelich went down with a fractured knee cap, he was slashing .345/.513/.724 in nine games in September. He managed to bash nine homers, steal four bases in four attempts, and drive in nine runs.

However, since Yelich went down, one hitter has really lead the Milwaukee Brewers offense.

Who’s been really good this September?

Tyler Austin, Trent Grisham, and Keston Hiura all currently have an OPS over .900 this September, but only Grisham has played in the majority of the games. Austin is a bench bat who fills in occasionally, and Hiura just started playing in the field.

Of the trio listed above, Grisham has been the most impressive. He’s appeared in 20 out out of 21 games and has racked up 62 at bats with Yelich on the Injured List. He owns a .306/.413/.516 slash line with two homers, two triples, and 11 RBIs, but he hasn’t really ‘carried’ the offense.

In addition to Grisham’s efforts, Ryan Braun has also showed up when the team has needed him, and has a team high 12 RBIs this month. But neither are the hottest hitter on the Milwaukee Brewers right now.

Who’s been the hottest Brewer in September

Milwaukee Brewers catcher Yasmani Grandal is the real MVP.

Grandal has a .257/.416/.557 slash line in September. That makes for a .973 OPS. Grandal has racked up three doubles, six homers, 18 runs scored and 10 RBIs. It feels like Grandal has been on base for the entire month. He actually has more walks (19) than hits (18) in September. Combine the plate discipline with the a team high six homers, and Grandal has been the hottest hitter on the Brewers for the month of September.

The Milwaukee Brewers have seen contributions from a lot of sources this year. Yelich is clearly the catalyst for the offense, but the team has seen several hitters step up in his absence to make it seem not quite as bad as it really is. Grandal has been the hottest hitter this September, and the Brewers will need his production to carry over into October if the team is going to make any noise in the post season this year.