Now That May is Over...

This is not a post about the Brewers' recent roster moves, or even the latest garbage journalism to come out of ESPN related to the Biogenesis controversy. Rather, this is an account of where the Brewers stand as of the beginning of June, 2013, a time by which teams tend to have more-or-less settled into their roles within their divisions. Needless to say, the Brewers' role in 2013 is not good.

5 Things to Hope For in a Brewers New Year, Part 2

Part two of five in a series for the new year.

2. A serviceable starting rotation

Estrada Shines as Brewers Beat Reds For First Time in 2011

Marco Estrada has been more than serviceable in the Brewers starting rotation while Zack Greinke remains on the DL. Yesterday he pitched seven strong innings against the Reds (2 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 5 K), his only blemish being a solid changeup that Brandon Phillips golfed for a two-run home run. John Axford pitched a clean ninth, striking out Joey Votto before retiring Brandon Phillips and Edgar Renteria. Axford's fifth save of the year secured the win for Kameron Loe after solo home runs by Prince Fielder, Ryan Braun, and Rickie Weeks. A much needed win, it gives the Crew a chance for a series victory against a team that has owned them for what is starting to feel like forever. Equally important, Corey Hart made his first appearance of the year last night as a pinch hitter.

Estrada Effective Through Six, Axford Notches First Save

Most Brewers fans probably didn't expect much from Marco Estrada yesterday, called up from the minor leagues to start in place of the injured Zack Greinke. Although Estrada fell short of a quality start thanks to a Jason Heyward three-run home run in the sixth, he made it through that inning with the lead intact. Zach Braddock, Kameron Loe, and John Axford combined for three scoreless innings to secure the win and Axford's first save of the season.

Brewers Starting Pitchers Coming Into Focus; Opening Day Roster Set

Some good news on the pitching front this week. Shaun Marcum pitched for the Brewers yesterday and experienced none of the shoulder tightness he felt his last time out. He threw 68 pitches, so he's slightly behind schedule, but he'll be able to start vs the Reds on Saturday, with a likely pitch limit of around 80-85.

Brewers Trade Chris Dickerson For Yankees RHP Sergio Mitre

In a surprise move, the Brewers traded backup outfielder Chris Dickerson to the Yankees for long reliever Sergio Mitre. Mitre essentially fills the spot currently vacated by the injured Manny Parra. He has starting experience, so can fill-in as Milwaukee's fifth starter if needed in April. The move suggests that both Brandon Boggs and Jeremy Reed will now make the club, since Corey Hart will start the season on the DL, and that Manny Parra's injury may be more serious than we've been told. By no means is Mitre certain to start for the Brewers on April 6. Marco Estrada still stands as a favorite for that honor, assuming he's not pounded in his next spring outing. The Brewers sent Rule 5 pick Pat Egan back to the Orioles earlier this week, making room on the 40-man roster for Estrada, if necessary.

The Search For the Fifth Starter: Marco Estrada Steps Up

The Brewers perhaps gained some clarity in their search for the elusive fifth starter yesterday when Marco Estrada pitched 4.1 scoreless innings against the Padres. He allowed three base hits and one walk. By no means has he locked up the five spot, but he certainly fared better than Wily Peralta and earned a shot in another "A" game for his next spring start. If he again pitches well he may yet start for the Brewers in April.

Who Will Start For Brewers on April 6?

With Mark Rogers and Amaury Rivas both sent to the minors it seemed as though Wily Peralta stood as the logical choice to start for the Brewers on April 6. The twenty-one year old right hander started vs the Rockies on Friday and faired extremely poorly, recording only one out while walking two, giving up five hits and five earned runs. Tim Dillard relieved him, pitching 2.2 scoreless innings.

Given his performance it's hard to imagine Peralta filling in for the Brewers on April 6. I wonder if they might now consider a non-roster invitee such as Marco Estrada or Eulogio De La Cruz, or even Tim Dillard, previously left out by Roenicke in discussions about the April 6 start. Maybe they decide to sign a cheap veteran to provide some depth. Choosing any of those options would require removing someone from the 40-man roster. Maybe they call up Amaury Rivas. Mark Rogers seems to be the best option at this point, but he won't be stretched out by April 6. He could be, though, by April 16, the next time the Brewers will need a 5th starter. After Peralta's poor showing, questions remain to be answered. Stay tuned...