Brewers select dominant former Indy Ball reliever to help depleted pitching staff

At this point, it sounds like a broken record when you discuss the Brewers pitching staff. Battling injuries along with a lack of starting pitching depth this season, they've continuously had to call on new arms. This time it comes in the form of James Meeker, who has already pitched for multiple levels in 2024.

In the roster move to call up James Meeker, the Brewers were forced to send down Aaron Ashby. This was not due to the performance of Ashby, but more so because of the already depleted pitching staff. Ashby started on Wednesday at Philly, and he honestly pitched great. Despite picking up the loss, Ashby tossed 5.0 innings, allowing just two hits and two runs to score, while striking out three batters. He did all that was asked and gave the Brewers a chance to win the ballgame. Ashby will likely be back in the big leagues soon, whether that be to make another start, or to be used as depth in the bullpen.

Who is new Brewer James Meeker?

The man to take his place on the roster will seemingly be used as a fresh depth piece. James Meeker has been called up to the major leagues for the first time in his career. Meeker has had quite the journey to get here. Meeker is a 29 year old righty who consistently throws in the low-mid 90s, featuring predominantly a fastball/cutter, and recently has added a sweeper to help improve swings and misses.

Meeker was a 2021 signee for the Brewers, but he was well traveled even before that. He pitched at Delaware in 2017-18, before moving to the Independent leagues for four seasons, which included a 55 game scoreless streak. He played for the Washington WildThings and Steel City Slammin' Sammies. The first stop he made in the Brewers organization was in 2021, when he made 12 appearances for the Carolina Mudcats. He journeyed through the organization ever since, and even appeared in Australia for the Brisbane Bandits in 2022-23.

In 2024, Meeker made four appearances for the Biloxi Shuckers in Double-A, he gave up no runs and fanned 10 batters in just over six innings before being promoted. He made 14 appearances for the Nashville Sounds in Triple-A, pitching over 20 innings and holding a 3.48 ERA in that time. On the season, he has a 2.67 ERA.

Meeker has a chance to earn an extended stay with the Brewers, as they look to get some usage out of a fresh arm and are dealing with a number of injuries.