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.


On top of it all, he seems to have a great attitude about the current competition. When asked about it yesterday he said, "I'm trying not to [think about it] too much. I'm just trying to stay in shape, keep my head down and work hard. If it happens, great, I'll be the happiest guy in the world. If it doesn't, I'll keep busting my butt and get out there eventually." That mentality can only help him succeed. As a non-roster invitee the Brewers would need to remove someone from their active roster to make room for Estrada, but such a move is beginning to look inevitable.