I really don't mean this to sound like an "I told you so," (because I'm not big on proving/disproving past opinions, so long as they were expressed as opinion, and not fact), but it seems to me that this was the plan for the Brewers all along. We were ALL fretting over covering innings in the off-season, and I felt at the time that it was their intention to split up all of the innings throughout the season using their tremendous depth of average-ness. I particularly was intrigued by Patrick, following the success they had with Myers last season. This, of course, counted on spectacular defense, which we have yet to see. But I think the plan all along has been to save their best* pitchers until later this season.
*upon reflection of this comment, I should rephrase as, "strongest pitching staff". I guess I just mean that I can envision Freddy coming up with a sprained ankle at some point when other guys get back. It doesn't change the idea that they are trying to spread innings out among their starters, and their willingness to use 2+ inning relievers and openers.