Why this Brewer's bullpen option is poised for a surprise breakout in 2026

It has been a difficult season for the Milwaukee Brewers' left-handed, short-outing relievers. Already, Rob Zastryzny (shoulder), Jared Koenig (elbow), and Ángel Zerpa (elbow) have all landed on the injured list. Zastryzny has been moved to the 60-day IL, while Zerpa ponders Tommy John surgery and Koenig begins his rehab process.

Koenig is currently hoping to manage the issue with rest, while Zerpa weighs a career-changing decision. However, even in a best-case scenario, both pitchers will likely be sidelined for at least a month, leaving the Brewers without a left-handed weapon in late-game situations. With the current bullpen structure, where DL Hall is typically used in bulk, lower-leverage roles, and Aaron Ashby handles similar multi-inning duties, though often in more competitive spots, the Brewers are likely to need another southpaw to step up.

In the wake of this current string of bullpen injuries, Brian Fitzpatrick has been the beneficiary of a call-up to the Brewers' bullpen. The 25-year-old, 6'7" rookie has looked the part early on, suggesting that he might be poised to emerge as Milwaukee’s breakout reliever this season.

Brian Fitzpatrick is in perfect position to have a breakout season in the Milwaukee Brewers' bullpen

With multiple left-handed options sidelined, Fitzpatrick has stepped into a role where opportunity meets need. Situations like this arise every season, and so far he’s taken advantage, surrendering just one earned run in his first three major league appearances.

Though Fitzpatrick has faced just 18 batters in this small sample size, he's shown impressive potential while displaying a balanced arsenal of pitches on the bump. He’s mixed his changeup, sinker, and slider at nearly equal rates, keeping hitters off-balance and unable to truly time up any of his pitches.

The left-hander's early ability to keep opposing hitters' timing unsynced is evidenced by an impressively low exit velocity against Fitzpatrick of just 80.5 mph, and an equally impressive hard-hit rate of 21.4%. Additionally, Fitzpatrick has generated a strong whiff rate on his off-speed pitches, particularly his changeup, and carries a respectable overall whiff rate of 29% in the early days of his major league career. Fitzpatrick's ability to induce weak contact paired with swing-and-miss stuff suggests his early success is not purely luck-driven, but rather a sign of a pitcher whose arsenal is already ready for the big-league level.

If he maintains unpredictability while throwing strikes, Fitzpatrick could secure a meaningful, long-term role in the Brewers' bullpen. His balanced pitch mix keeps hitters guessing, and with continued command and confidence, he has the tools to emerge as a trusted option this season and beyond.

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