Brewers: Who Might Join Woodruff to Start on Wednesday?

The Brewers still haven’t named a second starter to join Brandon Woodruff and start one of the games of Wednesday’s doubleheader.

The Brewers began their compressed five game series against the Cardinals yesterday by splitting the first of two doubleheaders in three days. After a walkoff 2-1 win in game one of the twin bill, the Cardinals came back to win the nightcap, 3-2.

Unfortunately, both of the shortened, seven-inning games ended up going to extra innings, spoiling excellent outings by Josh Lindblom and Corbin Burnes that could have limited usage of the pitching staff. Instead, Milwaukee ended up using nine pitchers across the two games.

According to Adam McCalvy of MLB.com, Brett Anderson is slated to start Tuesday’s game against the Cardinals with Brandon Woodruff set to start one of Wednesday’s doubleheader games. As of the writing of this article, a second Brewers starter has not been announced for tomorrow.

Normally, it would have been Houser’s turn to pitch on Wednesday, but he just pitched on Sunday and will be unavailable on just two days’ rest. So who might manager Craig Counsell tab as the second starter for Wednesday’s doubleheader?

LHP Brent Suter

If history tells us anything, Brent Suter is the most likely candidate for the role. He has started two previous “Johnny Wholestaff” days, going three innings in each and giving up two total runs. He hasn’t pitched since a last-minute start on Saturday when Anderson’s start was pushed due to a small injury, so he has plenty of rest.

What could derail this plan is whether or not Suter ends up having to pitch in relief on Tuesday. Corey Knebel and the recently returned righty Ray Black are the only other relief pitchers who didn’t see action on Monday. If Anderson can’t turn in a long outing and the game is close, Suter might be needed.

RHP Freddy Peralta

The only other pitcher in the bullpen with a decent amount of starting experience, Freddy Peralta could be considered here as well. He saw action in both of the games that Suter started this season, throwing 3 1/3 innings total.

Peralta’s problem is that he just pitched Monday, though it was only 19 pitches over a single inning of work. He could still be called on to start on Wednesday, but it likely wouldn’t be for many innings and it might make more sense to just have him enter in relief for whoever does start.

LHP Eric Lauer

This might not be the name that many Brewers fans would like to hear considering how his last two starts went, but it would make a lot of sense. Milwaukee gets to call up a 29th man for the roster to get through the doubleheader and Eric Lauer would surely have dibs if they want that player to be a starter.

Lauer has pitched in three games for the Brewers in 2020, his impressive debut where he struck out six of ten batters in relief, and his less impressive following outings where he gave up a combined 13 earned in two starts. If the Brewers think he has worked some things out at the alternate training site, he could very well get the call.

Ultimately, the decision probably hinges on Tuesday night’s game. If Suter isn’t required to make an appearance, he probably joins Woodruff in starting on Wednesday. Otherwise, look for Peralta or Lauer to toe the rubber to kick off that game.

In less than 24 hours, we’ll know the Brewers’ exact plans for Wednesday. Whatever the decision, hopefully it leads to Milwaukee completing the doubleheader sweept that they just missed achieving on Monday.