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

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...

Greinke to DL; Will Miss 2-3 Regular Season Starts

The Brewers delayed Zack Greinke's first live BP session a couple weeks back due to soreness in his left ribs which he said he hurt slightly while doing "something stupid" off the field. We now know he was playing a pickup game of basketball and cracked a rib while falling to the ground after going for a rebound. This is certainly disappointing news for Brewers fans who expected Greinke to lead a much improved pitching staff that hopefully will help the Crew get to the playoffs in 2011.