Projecting September Call-Ups for the Brewers
Last year, SP Zach Davies was among the top late season call-ups for the Brewers, and has returned this season to show that he is indeed a viable option to be part of the Brewers' rotation in the future. September is an opportunity for rebuilding clubs like the Brewers to bring up multiple prospects without having to sacrifice a 25-man roster spot. So, here are five players who I projected the Brewers will bring up, not including the injured Junior Guerra, Jacob Barnes or Michael Blazek.
C Andrew Susac: Outside of him being the only catcher on the 40-man roster who is not in the majors, I think it is time to give Susac a chance to show what he is worth after being acquired in the Will Smith trade with San Francisco. He has big league experience, and should be in contention with Martin Maldonado, Manny Pina among others for the starting catcher job next season. Plus, teams usually bring up a third catcher in September anyways, whether contending or not.
OF Michael Reed: In this article, I'm trying to stick with members of the 40-man roster, as it means that someone will either have to move to the 60-day DL or be designated for assignment to bring up certain players. He is hitting .258 with 7 HR and 40 RBI, with home run and RBI totals at the top among Colorado Springs outfielders. Plus, guys like Shane Peterson and Eric Young have had their chance(s), so maybe it's time for a guy like Reed to come up.
SP Jorge Lopez: Jorge is not having a great season, and he was sent down to AA Biloxi during the season, but he has big league experience, is a top 15 prospect in the Brewers' farm system, and has shown promise in the past. I'm not saying have him start games, but maybe a couple long relief appearances will work for him or maybe having a guy like Brent Suter pitch three innings, then Lopez pitch three innings in basically a dual start like in Spring Training.
SP Taylor Jungmann: A lot of you Brewers' fans probably forgot about Taylor Jungmann, after he was awful in the big leagues and got sent to AA as well. However, he cracked the rotation as the number three starter this season, and it's highly likely he will get another chance to prove he belongs on the 40-man roster.
SP Josh Hader: A lot of people, including myself, are hoping Hader can finally make an appearance this fall. Hader made the minor league All-Star game this season, and posted a sub-1.00 ERA and a high strikeout percentage in AA. AAA has not been the same, but he ERA has been dropping from the upper 6's to the low 5's over the past 2-3 games, so he is showing more comfort there. Plus, his strikeout rate is still high, and Colorado Springs is the worst place to pitch in minor league baseball. Hader is the Brewers' number 4 prospect right now, and it would be foolish for him not to be sent to the big leagues for a start or two. The only issue is he is not on the 40-man roster, and a spot will need to be cleared for him.
Other candidates: OF Lewis Brinson, OF Shane Peterson, OF Eric Young, C Josmil Pinto, INF Garin Cecchini, INF Nate Orf, P Adrian Houser, P Ben Rowen, P Wei-Chung Wang
