Week in Review: Back on Track

Weekly Snapshot

Record Last Week: 4-2 (23-17 Overall)

Runs Scored: 31

Runs Surrendered: 27

Standing: 1st in NL Central (1.5 GA)

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Game 35 | MIL 9, LAD 3

Game 36 | LAD 6, MIL 2

Game 37 | LAD 8, MIL 1

Game 38 | MIL 5, KC 1

Game 39 | MIL 4, KC 3

Game 40 | MIL 9, KC 6

NEWS AND NOTES

The Brewers came into the week reeling, both on and off the field. To put it shortly, the Brewers needed to start winning again, and they needed to keep healthy while doing it. And for the first time in a while, they did both. 

It was a relatively quiet week in transactions, with the only two moves being of the minor-league variety. Bennett Sousa was optioned on Tuesday, and center fielder Michael Reed was signed to a minor-league contract on Saturday. Both moves are likely to be inconsequential.

Eric Lauer continued to struggle in his role as a starter, prompting a move to the bullpen. He did make his first appearance out of the pen Sunday, pitching 5.1 innings in relief of Colin Rea. 

HIGHLIGHTS

Christian Yelich. The former MVP had a vintage week, and improved his May slash line to .348/.400/.630. Yelich’s weekend was especially memorable, as he hit three home runs and picked up five RBIs, helping the Brewers sweep the Royals. Not only is his bat starting to heat up, but Yelich has been excellent running the bases and playing the field this month as well, as showcased on Sunday.

I don't know how to explain that play.

So here's Yelich taking advantage of Royals mistakes with his 8th stolen base and then scoring. #ThisIsMyCrew pic.twitter.com/Dmzy1im8zV

— Dominic Cotroneo (@Dom_Cotroneo) May 14, 2023

The Brewers continued their historic dominance on Mother’s Day on Sunday, improving their all-time record to 35-21. That mark is the best record among all teams.

Owen Miller has quietly been contributing at a high level so far in 2023, and this past week, he made his presence felt. Miller certainly made the most of his starts this week, where he produced a 269 wRC+ and hit his first Brewers home run.

First HR as a Brewer, bring him the cheesehead!#ThisIsMyCrew pic.twitter.com/IDzFEPMW5K

— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) May 13, 2023

Peter Strzelecki and Devin Williams remain the two brightest lights in the bullpen. Both men have found themselves in the highest-leverage situations recently, and both currently have sub-2.50 FIPs. It was unclear who the 1-2 punch was going to be coming into the season, but this week, it seems the Brewers might have found their duo.

Joey Wiemer didn’t have an overly impressive week at the plate, but he did have a memorable one. His three-run round-tripper against the Dodgers was a much-needed high-leverage hit, and his first major-league walkoff came later in the week against the Royals. 

Joey made sure this one was gone! #ThisIsMyCrew | @JWiems17 pic.twitter.com/izhWZ3koax

— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) May 9, 2023

LOWLIGHTS

Wade Miley, Colin Rea, and Eric Lauer all had ugly starts this week. It was Miley's first truly bad start of the season, while the poor pitching continued from both Rea and Lauer. Lauer has since transitioned to the bullpen, while Rea will continue to be Brandon Woodruff’s placeholder until he's healthy. The Brewers expect better out of all three going forward, but obviously, it's hard to retain much confidence. 

Neither Luke Voit nor Jesse Winker have solidified themselves in a DH role yet this season, and many fans are clamoring for a call-up of Keston Hiura. While it's unlikely either man will be cut loose very soon, their opportunities for plate appearances may be growing thin.

TRENDING STORYLINE

There isn’t much to unpack here, but keep an eye on both Winker and Voit. Even Mike Brosseau and Brian Anderson have slowed, so there may be opportunities for more playing time for guys like Miller, or a potential call up of Keston Hiura.

Most fans already keep a close eye on Yelich, but it's clear that he's trending closer to MVP form than he has in years. His launch angle was up last week, which included three towering home runs, so maybe the Brewers can lean on Yelich yet again.

LOOKING AHEAD

The Brewers have a challenging, but important week ahead of them. The Cardinals are playing much better baseball of late, and although they remain in last place, the gap between them and the Brewers could be cut significantly if the Brewers play a bad series. The Rays have been baseball's best team all season, and have a record of 19-3 at home. Undoubtedly, the series in Tampa Bay will be the toughest the Brewers have had this season.

MONDAY, 5/15: BREWERS @ CARDINALS - RHP Freddy Peralta vs. RHP Jack Flaherty

TUESDAY, 5/16: BREWERS @ CARDINALS - LHP Wade Miley vs. LHP Jordan Montgomery

WEDNESDAY, 5/17: BREWERS @ CARDINALS - RHP Corbin Burnes vs. RHP Adam Wainwright

FRIDAY, 5/19: BREWERS @ RAYS - TBD vs. TBD

SATURDAY, 5/20: BREWERS @ RAYS - TBD vs. TBD

SUNDAY, 5/21: BREWERS @ RAYS - TBD vs. TBD