Brewers Report Cards: Player Grades At The Half-Way Point

Brewers Starting Rotation Grades

Brandon Woodruff: A+

Through 101 IP in the first half, Brandon Woodruff has a 1.87 ERA with 119 strikeouts and just 24 walks allowed. His 0.78 WHIP is lowest in the league.

Woodruff is clearly a Cy Young candidate and is pitching like the ace we know he can be. He was the Crew’s Opening Day starter for a reason and is in line for an All-Star appearance once again.

Corbin Burnes: A+

Matching Woodruff’s excellence is Corbin Burnes. He’s pitched to a 2.53 ERA this year in 74.2 IP with 115 strikeouts and only 14 walks allowed. He’s had a few “rough” starts his last couple times out, which has “spiked” his ERA to over 2.50, but he’s still been excellent overall.

Burnes made history several times over this year, including breaking the record for most strikeouts to begin a season before allowing a walk with 58 Ks before that first walk. He also should be an All Star and a Cy Young candidate.

Adrian Houser: B

Adrian Houser has been serviceable this year, posting a 4.16 ERA in the first half over 75.2 IP. He doesn’t strike out as many guys and pitches to contact, but has been burned by that on occasion.

Houser has been healthy and making his starts, never really having any blow up performances. He’s kept the Brewers in games for the most part, and that’s all you can really ask.

Brett Anderson: C

Brett Anderson has been about what’s expected of him. His 4.69 ERA is around his career average, and he’s doing what he was signed to do: eat innings and get ground balls. His ERA is slightly higher than normal, but that’s been from a few bad games that went very short. He’s left two starts early after giving up a bunch of runs with an injury.

He’s on the IL currently, but should be back soon.

Freddy Peralta: A+

Peralta has formed a Big 3 in the rotation with Woodruff and Burnes. Peralta’s 2.17 ERA is second-best in the Brewers rotation. In 87 IP, Peralta has 122 strikeouts and has walked 37.

Peralta has allowed just 39 hits, and his 4.0 H/9 is best in baseball among qualified pitchers. His 12.6 K/9 is also best in the National League.

Despite being the “5th starter” and just making the rotation over Josh Lindblom to start the season, Peralta has been excellent and has surpassed all expectations.