Veteran Pitcher’s Performance Provides Respite for Milwaukee Brewers’ Pitching Woes
In a season filled with uncertainty surrounding the Milwaukee Brewers’ starting rotation, veteran right-hander Colin Rea has been a beacon of consistency.
Rea has made 11 starts, second only to ace Freddy Peralta, and appeared in 13 games overall. He holds a 5-2 record with a 3.31 ERA, including a stellar 2-0 record and 1.64 ERA over his last four outings.
On Monday night, Rea delivered an outstanding performance, allowing just one run on three hits over seven innings, striking out four without issuing a walk in the Brewers’ 3-1 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays at American Family Field.
“Colin was magnificent,” said Brewers manager Pat Murphy, perhaps understating Rea’s dominance.
Rea’s Efficient Outing
Rea’s 85-pitch outing was characterized by efficiency. He threw first-pitch strikes to 21 of the 23 batters he faced and retired 13 of his final 14 batters.
“Even though they’re an aggressive team, getting ahead in the count — whether it’s Strike 1 or getting to 1-2 — sets you up for success,” Rea said. “We did a pretty good job of that tonight.”
Colin Rea’s Journey to the Brewers
This was Rea’s longest outing since June 7, 2016, early in his MLB career. Since then, he has missed significant time due to injuries and played in Japan. Rea spent time in the minor-league systems of the San Diego Padres and Chicago Cubs, with a brief MLB stint in the COVID-shortened 2020 season, before returning to Japan in 2021.
Rea left Japan in August 2021 to be closer to his family and signed with the Brewers late in the season. He returned to Japan in 2022, then rejoined the Brewers in 2023, starting the season at Triple-A Nashville. He posted a 4.55 ERA in 26 appearances (22 starts) for Milwaukee and signed a one-year deal with a team option for 2025.
Rea Saves Bullpen Amid Injury Concerns
Rea’s performance provided relief for the Brewers’ bullpen as the team faces more bad news regarding their rotation. Rookie left-hander Robert Gasser is seeking a third opinion on his ailing left elbow, and Murphy is preparing for the possibility of losing a third starting pitcher for the season.
“I’m pessimistic about it,” Murphy said. “I hope I’m wrong, I really do.”
Gasser initially experienced elbow issues in spring training and spent time in Triple-A before being called up. He impressed with a 2-0 record and 2.57 ERA in 28 innings but was sidelined with elbow soreness after his June 2 outing.
Gasser’s Injury Complications
Gasser’s initial diagnosis was a strained flexor in the left elbow. A second opinion confirmed this but noted a weakened ulnar collateral ligament, recommending Tommy John surgery. Gasser is now seeking a third opinion to clarify the severity of his injury.
“He had an elbow injury early, came back and pitched well, but it’s back,” Murphy said. “One doctor recommends reconstruction. That’s serious, and it affects the player’s mental state, especially as a rookie.”
Jackson Chourio Heating Up
With outfielder Blake Perkins getting a day off, rookie Jackson Chourio started against a right-handed pitcher for the second time in three games and responded by hitting his seventh home run of the season.
Chourio, who has seen reduced playing time due to offensive struggles and Perkins’ emergence, has been heating up lately, slashing .313/.313/.563 over his last five games with a home run, five RBIs, and an .875 OPS.
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Brewers’ Streak Snapped
Chourio’s homer ended a five-game stretch without a Brewers home run. Willy Adames also broke a 10-game homerless drought with his 10th of the season, tagging Jose Berrios an inning later.
Despite the power outage, the Brewers went 2-3 in those games, including a 10-0 win over the Tigers. They are an MLB-best 13-11 in games without a home run.
“I like it when we’re hitting them,” Murphy said. “But there are more ways to beat teams. Tonight, we needed the homer.”
Up Next
Carlos F. Rodriguez will be the 12th different pitcher to start for the Brewers this season, making his MLB debut Tuesday against the Blue Jays. Rodriguez, 22, has a 4-5 record with a 5.17 ERA in 12 appearances (11 starts) for Triple-A Nashville but impressed in May, earning International League Pitcher of the Month honors with a 3-1 record and 3.03 ERA.
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