Figuring out where Abner Uribe fits into Brewers' plans after successful spring debut

Rays fans might remember Abner Uribe for all the wrong reasons, but Milwaukee Brewers fans are ecstatic to know they might have their next closer. Uribe filled that void for Devin Williams at the start of last season, but a suspension and injury completely derailed his 2024. After making his spring training debut, Uribe seems to have not lost a step.

Uribe made his debut against the struggling White Sox. The Brewers ultimately lost this game, but Uribe held the Brewers 1-0 lead. It didn't look promising at first as he issued a six pitch walk to Oscar Colas. Ahead 1-2 in the count, command issues once again took center stage.

After giving up the walk, Uribe struck out two of the three batters he faced. He left Colas stranded at first, needing just 11 pitches to record the three outs. At the end of the day, Uribe was throwing 100 mph again and looking like his old self.

Abner Uribe's sharp spring debut could force Brewers to change their bullpen plans

Three of Uribe's four career saves came last season, all of which coming in his first three appearances. Uribe had only given up one hit and one earned run in those three games. He went on to blow two saves in his next three appearances, going 1-1 in that stretch.

One of the biggest question marks with Uribe is his command. The hard throwing 24-year-old had a 14:12 strikeout to walk ratio last season, leaving a lot of room for improvement. He threw just 14.1 major league innings last season, down from 30.2 in 2023. His ratio that season was 39:20.

With a successful spring training debut under his belt, Brewers fans are left wondering where Uribe falls in the bullpen. He certainly has the stuff to be a nasty closer, and Pat Murphy has touched on how much he's matured during his time away from the field. His freak hacky-sack injury last season took him out, not allowing him to show signs of growth after the bench-clearing brawl.

That said, he'll be entering the 2025 season with a four game suspension still against him. If Uribe is to make the opening day roster, he wouldn't be available for the first series.

With the likes of Trevor Megill as the closer and Joey Payamps and Elvis Peguero holding things down, Uribe has to fight for his spot. Uribe could be competing against the likes of Aaron Ashby, who has once again struggled and also has his fair of control issues, as well as Craig Yoho who has been a big topic of conversation in spring training as well.

There's no doubt that Abner Uribe will be on the Brewers roster in the 2025 season. The four-game suspension will be over before he knows it, and his fastballs have the chance to take the league by storm. It would likely take an injury or some insane numbers for him to take Megill's spot as the closer, but Uribe could be used as the perfect set-up man for Megill to come in and finish the job.

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