Milwaukee Brewers: Studs And Duds From The First Month Of The 2023 Season

Despite numerous injuries, the Milwaukee Brewers ended up going 18-10 over the first month of the 2023 season. They were the last team in the Major Leagues to lose back-to-back games and overall they lost just three out of nine total series.

With all of the injuries, there was a lot of roster shuffling around and the Brewers depth both on the mound and at the plate was tested. They ended up receiving contributions from several different players, but there are some that stood out from the others.

Let's take a look at a few Brewers who have started off hot and which players had a cold month of April.

Stud: Rowdy Tellez

After a rough first series or two, Rowdy Tellez turned on the jets the remainder of April. He finished the month as the Brewers leader in home runs (8), slugging (.553), OPS (.886), and tied for second in runs batted in (20). At the plate he's been a lot more selective as to which pitches he wants to swing at. This is evidenced by a 46% zone swing percentage (down 16% from his career average), and a first pitch swing percentage of 13% (down 13% from his career average)

Dud: Luke Voit

In April, Milwaukee played 28 games and Luke Voit appeared in 15 of them. Unfortunately he is still seeking his first home run as a Brewer and his slugging percentage is a dismal .255. He additionally drew just two free passes. All of this computes to an OPS+ of just 44. If there is anyone who needs a strong month of May, it's him.

Stud: William Contreras

Off-season addition William Contreras has been one of the most impactful position players during the first month. Behind the dish his pitch framing has been excellent and according to fangraphs he leads all catchers by a wide margin in defensive runs saved with six. Offensively he began the year with an 11 game hit streak and he has reached based safely in 21 of 22 games played.

Dud: Matt Bush

After a shaky final few months with Milwaukee in 2022, Matt Bush's reliability in high leverage situations is again being questioned to start this season. Before being placed on the injured list he made nine appearances, gave up eight earned runs, four home runs, and was tagged with two blown saves. Upon returning to the Brewers he will have to earn his way back into being a high leverage reliever.

Stud: Peter Strzelecki

There was a lot of talk during the offseason that Peter Strzelecki would be poised for a bigger role in 2023. Throughout the first month of the season he delivered in those situations and has earned continued opportunities. He gave up just one earned run over 13.2 innings pitched and collected eight holds. Eight holds is second best in all of baseball trailing only Colin Holderman of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Stud: Wade Miley

After five starts in April, Wade Miley has a better ERA (1.86) than Corbin Burnes, Freddy Peralta, Eric Lauer, and Colin Rea. Miley covered 29 innings last month going five innings twice, six innings twice, and seven innings once. The veteran left-hander has arguably been the most valuable starting pitcher so far. Hopefully he can continue this success into May and the summer months.

Overall, it has been a great start for the Brewers and a lot of their players. Let's hope they continue to do well and win games.