Predicting the Milwaukee Brewers 2023 Opening Day Bullpen

Milwaukee Brewers 2023 Bullpen: Long relief

The Milwaukee Brewers will inevitably need some long relievers, whether it be due to a rough start by a starter, a high pitch count, and injury or should Craig Counsell decide to use a bullpen pitching day.

One strong candidate to start the year the Brewers bullpen is Ethan Small, who was confirmed by Craig Counsell to work from the bullpen, The fact that he is one of only a few left handed options is working in his favor. Small is still one of the Crew's most MLB ready prospects but has work to do on his command. Ethan Small is on a career path somewhat similar to Aaron Ashby and a strong 2023 could help secure Small a place in the Brewers 2024 rotation.

Other potential long relief options could come from the starting rotation being fully healthy, whether it be Adrian Houser, Wade Miley, Aaron Ashby or Jason Alexander making some appearances from the bullpen, everyone's health willing. Ashby and Alexander will miss Opening Day, giving better odds to the other candidates.

One other such option for Craig Counsell to apply in long relief situations is Bryse Wilson. The Brewers acquired Wilson from the Pittsburgh Pirates for cash considerations. Wilson has appeared in 56 games in his career, 43 of them starts, making him a potential candidate for long relief. However, I predict Wilson won't make the cut for Opening Day.