Brewers: Are 2021 Relief Pitcher Stat Projections “Fair” or “Foul?”

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 18: Josh Hader #71 of the Milwaukee Brewers throws a pitch during a game against the Kansas City Royals at Miller Park on September 18, 2020 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 18: Josh Hader #71 of the Milwaukee Brewers throws a pitch during a game against the Kansas City Royals at Miller Park on September 18, 2020 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
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Brewers
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – JULY 15: Ray Black #50 of the Milwaukee Brewers throws a pitch during Summer Workouts at Miller Park on July 15, 2020 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Ray Black

Projection: 2-2 / 4.65 ERA / 31.0 IP / 2.29 K/BB / 1.355 WHIP

Ruling: Fair

Ray Black is one of four pitchers that have yet to surrender a run during Cactus League play and while he’s only appeared in three games, his stuff looks to have impressed enough to net him a roster spot. With the recent news of Brad Boxberger and Jordan Zimmermann being signed to minor league deals and the injury to Justin Topa, it appears Black will make the Opening Day roster.

These projections are fair. He has a career ERA of 5.53 and has never pitched above 25.0 innings in a season so saying that he’ll see 31.0 innings of action seems about right. He could be one of the guys on a short leash but his velocity has looked good as of late and he could be a surprising piece for the Crew.

As you can see, there’s a lot to be intrigued about when it comes to the Brewers bullpen this year. There are question marks and there are guys that have been around the block a time or two and they could combine into one of the best units in all of baseball.

If the Crew wants any chance of making some noise this year, this group with maybe a couple other players, will need to silence the opposing bats.

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