Fun fact: Burch Smith made it back to the big leagues last year by tricking the Royals into believing he was Josh Hader. http://www4.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Burch+Smith+Milwaukee+Brewers+Vs+Kansas+City+kF7cSSr7aofl.jpg
Yes. Gamel for Santana just another great stearns trade. Plus we got Zavolas, who is doing really well in Carolina. Davies-like repertoire, velocity maybe a tick or two higher.
Can we start him in the 2nd? “We’re allowed to do that, yeah,” Counsell said with a smile. https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/mlb/brewers/2019/05/06/brewers-mull-using-opener-front-peralta-tuesday-against-nats/1115943001/
If "opener" is just clearing the first inning it could be literally anyone other than Hader. If meant to get to the pitcher's spot then Houser or Burnes makes the most sense.
Too good defensively to worry about. Given the limited ABs he's getting, literally four more times on base over the past six weeks would skew his offense from "non-existent" to "good backup catcher". Not enough to roll the dice that Freitas or Nottingham can play near the same defense and would also make a difference offensively.
I suppose this is the problem. I expected one of the starting pitchers would be well-versed enough that you'd pinch hit them for the better chance at getting it down.