Brewers manager reveals a top pitching prospect should make MLB debut early in 2024

When the Milwaukee Brewers traded Josh Hader away to the San Diego Padres in the summer of 2022, it was believed that the prized acquisition in that deal was left-handed pitcher Robert Gasser. A year and a half later, he is now in position to showcase his skills at the major league level.

At the time of the trade, the former 71st overall selection in the 2021 MLB draft had not yet completed his first full season of professional baseball. After joining the Brewers organization, they advanced him across three minor league levels in the span of three short months. He ended the 2022 season in Triple-A and made five starts there.

In 2023, Gasser spent the entire year in Triple-A. He made 25 starts (26 appearances), covered 135.1 innings, had a 3.79 ERA, a league-leading 166 strikeouts, and dialed in his command. His dominance last year put him in line to be a contributor for the big league club in 2024.

Until recently, one big looming question was "when will Robert Gasser debut in 2024?" Thanks to some insight from Brewers manager Pat Murphy, we now have a better timeline for when that day may come.

Robert Gasser is expected to make his MLB debut with the Milwaukee Brewers "fairly early" in April 2024.

After another dominating Cactus League game in which Gasser threw four innings, allowed three hits, one earned run, and struck out five batters, Murphy revealed post game as to when his highest ranked southpaw will debut in 2024.

If he doesn’t make the Opening Day roster, I think you’ll see him fairly soon.

Following that quote, Murphy mentioned the fact that the Brewers have two separate stretches in April (extending into May 1) that consist of 13 games in as many days. The first stretch is from April 5-17 and the second April 19 to May 1. Murphy made it sound like if Gasser doesn't make the Opening Day roster that we will see him during one of those stretches.

During that period and beyond it's possible that Gasser could become the sixth man in the rotation or serve as a swing man. Being used interchangeably like that would not be surprising because that is how Milwaukee handled all of Brandon Woodruff, Corbin Burnes, and Freddy Peralta when they were trying to establish their footing in the league.

Prior to making his MLB debut, Gasser will have to be added to the Brewers 40-man roster. By all accounts he appears ready to compete at the big league level, but the question still remains when. At least now we know it should be fairly early, if not right away.