Brewers call up Robert Gasser in attempt to seal series win
After their extra-inning victory last night, the Brewers face off against the Cardinals Sunday afternoon with a chance to win the series. Playoff hopes for St. Louis are virtually gone after losing seven of ten, but for Milwaukee, they still are looking at a potential division crown and the top seed in the National League.
After some speculation over the weekend, the Brewers indeed eventually called up Robert Gasser. He makes today’s start, his first in the majors since June 1 of last season. Over 28 innings, he had a 2.57 ERA for Milwaukee in the 2024 season. His Triple-A numbers this year are equally promising. He’s pitched to a 2.25 ERA and the surrounding statistics are just as impressive. A 10.13 K/9 and a ridiculously low 0.24 HR/9 are some of the numbers that make his appearance so intriguing, even if it’s come late in the season.
For St. Louis, Matthew Liberatore, who holds a 4.30 ERA this year, is making his 29th start. It’s by far a career-high workload for the lefty this year, pitching 146 2/3 innings after reaching 86 last season. He’s struggled in recent weeks, allowing a minimum of three runs in five of his last seven starts. He’s been especially homer prone, allowing more hard contact and striking out fewer batters, a poor combination.
In the lineup, Jackson Chourio bats leadoff with both Sal Frelick and Brice Turang out of the lineup today. It’s the first time Chourio is atop the order since September 4. He’s been hitting well lately, batting .294 since September 6 with a reduced strikeout rate and at least one hit in 10 of 12 games.
Joining Chourio in the outfield are Isaac Collins in left field and Blake Perkins in center. With Rhys Hoskins starting at designated hitter, Christian Yelich is another regular getting an off-day. It’s been difficult for Hoskins to find regular playing time, receiving just four plate appearances since his return from injury.
Spread out around the infield left to right, Caleb Durbin gets the start at third base, followed by Joey Ortiz, Andruw Monasterio, and Andrew Vaughn.
With William Contreras’ injury scare, Danny Jansen starts behind the plate. According to Curt Hogg, Jeferson Quero does have a locker in the clubhouse, but no official transaction has been announced.
In more worrisome injury news, Brandon Woodruff was placed on the 15-day injured list with a right lat strain, per Adam McCalvy. This injury is retroactive to September 18, which would open up a window for a potential return in the NLDS, but that would be reliant on an unexpectedly good outcome.
First pitch tonight is at 1:15 p.m. on FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin and the Brewers Radio Network.
Category: General Sports
