After going 18-11 through March/April the Milwaukee Brewers continued to win ball games during the month of May as they went 16-12. They did this despite seeing guys like Joe Ross and Rhys Hoskins land on the injured list. Their team confidence is currently through the roof and as a result there was a lot of stand out players who helped contribute to their success.
Here we will highlight 5 Milwaukee Brewers players that stood out during the month of May.
Brewers May stand out player #1: LHP Robert Gasser
What Robert Gasser did during his first month as a big league baseball player (first five starts if you extend to his June 1 game) is not normal. The now 25 year old has a 2.25 ERA across his first 28.0 innings pitched with just one walked batter. He's pitched at least five innings in every start with three games reaching six innings pitched. The rookie has shown great adaptability as every game he is getting MLB batters out in different ways (example: against the Marlins he had zero strikeouts but then against the Cubs he struck out seven batters).
Milwaukee Brewers May stand out players #2: ALL the lefty firemen
Manager Pat Murphy references his bullpen players to the firemen. Among his squad he has three left-handed relievers that he can turn to in Hoby Milner, Bryan Hudson, and Jared Koenig. Last month all three tied for the lead in reliever innings pitched (15.2), although Jared Koenig was used in an openers role twice against the Boston Red Sox. During the month of May, Milner posted a 3.45 ERA, while Hudson had a 1.72, and Koenig was at 2.87.
Milwaukee Brewers May stand out player #3: Willy Adames
Shortstop Willy Adames was clutch for the Brew Crew during the month of May. He led the team in RBI with 22 in which seven of them came during a crucial four game series against the Chicago Cubs. A few of his top moments include a ninth inning go-ahead home run against the Kansas City Royals and an eighth inning three run home run against the Cubs. Not included in those RBI stats (June 1 game) was a game tying two RBI hit in the seventh inning against the White Sox and walk-off RBI in that same game.
Milwaukee Brewers May stand out player #4: William Contreras
William Contreras continues to not only be the team MVP but should be in consideration for the league award as well. Both him and Adames have started every game this year and Contreras has not slowed down at the plate. During the month of may he slashed .301/.368/.469 with 11 extra base hits, 21 RBI, and two stolen bases.
Milwaukee Brewers May stand out player #5: Joey Ortiz
Rookie Joey Ortiz cemented himself as the every day third baseman during the month of May. Last month he slashed .307/.391/.587 with an impressive nine walks to 11 strikeouts. He continues to be outstanding defensively in which the Brewers all shortstop infield can cover a lot of ground.
Looking ahead to the month of June the Brewers have some tough roads series against the Philadelphia Phillies and San Diego Padres. At home they will see the Texas Rangers and Chicago Cubs. Another winning month will put them in excellent position as the July All-Star break and trade deadline draw closer.