Last night, the Brewers and Athletics opened the Las Vegas series with a high-powered extra-inning classic, in which the Brewers came out on top 15-14. That was just the first game of the series, and we could see more of the same tonight.
There will be a lot of pressure on tonight’s starter, Robert Gasser. After the Brewers used most of their bullpen yesterday, Gasser may be asked to eat some innings to get through this one. He made a step forward in his last start, limiting the Giants to a solo home
run in five innings. Unfortunately, he took a tough-luck loss as the Brewers were shut out in that game. He should get some additional run support tonight, but will also be facing an Athletics lineup that scored 14 runs and hit seven home runs last night. So far this season, Gasser has allowed seven earned runs in 13 1/3 innings over three starts, striking out 12 and walking seven. The longest start he has made in the majors this season is five innings, and his pitch count has maxed at 89 pitches.
For the Athletics, J.T. Ginn will start tonight. He’s been their best starter this season, anchoring a rotation that has been hit with injuries. In 14 games (11 starts), he has a 2.74 ERA and 4.08 FIP. Ginn has allowed two or fewer runs in each of his last six starts, and nine of his 11 starts overall. He also has pitched through the eighth inning twice this season. That being said, we saw that no pitcher is safe in this ballpark from last night’s game. This will be Ginn’s third career appearance against the Brewers. Last season, he allowed three runs in 4 2/3 innings on April 18. He struck out seven and walked two in that start in Milwaukee, which the Brewers won 5-3.
Looking at the bullpen situation, it is not good going into tonight’s game. Here is a breakdown of the bullpen usage:
- Chad Patrick: Pitched one inning last night, threw eight pitches. Also pitched on Sunday, pitched 1 2/3 innings and threw 21 pitches.
- Grant Anderson: Pitched 2 2/3 innings last night, threw 28 pitches.
- Aaron Ashby: Pitched 1 2/3 innings last night, threw 36 pitches.
- Joel Kuhnel: Pitched 1 2/3 innings last night, threw 20 pitches.
- Drew Rom: Pitched 1 1/3 innings last night, threw 25 pitches.
- Abner Uribe: Pitched 1 1/3 innings last night, threw 15 pitches.
- Trevor Megill: Last pitched on Friday, but was unavailable last night due to “discomfort”. Before tonight’s game, Todd Rosiak reported that he’s been dealing with a right side/oblique injury, but will be available tonight if playing catch goes well.
As for the Athletics, they recalled Joey Estes and optioned Kade Morris before today’s game, giving them a reinforcement for their bullpen. They also have Elvis Alvarado and Mason Barnett fresh, as both did not pitch last night. On the other side, Hogan Harris, Mark Leiter Jr., and Justin Sterner have all pitched in two consecutive games.
While the Brewers did not make any major-league roster moves before today’s game, they did provide some updates on the different rehabbing players on the injured list.
- Brandon Woodruff has been assigned to the Rookie ACL Brewers to begin his rehab assignment. He will throw four innings and 60-65 pitches in their game tonight.
- Quinn Priester will continue his rehab assignment on June 13 with the same team. He is scheduled to throw five innings and 70-75 pitches.
- Jared Koenig will continue his rehab assignment with Triple-A Nashville. He could return in about a week.
- Brandon Lockridge will be sent on a rehab assignment soon.
- Logan Henderson is now projected to return in early July from his back injury.
- DL Hall is projected for a late July return from his left pec strain.
- Brian Fitzpatrick is seeking another opinion on his UCL sprain, and his return date is still TBD.
One additional note from the minor leagues; Jake Woodford is back in the organization on a minor-league contract. He has been assigned to Nashville.
The top five in the lineup remain unchanged from yesterday, but a couple of players who were on the bench are back in the lineup. Sal Frelick is back in right field and batting seventh, while David Hamilton is at shortstop and batting ninth. Despite going 4-for-6 and finishing a triple short of the cycle yesterday, Andrew Vaughn will start this game on the bench.
First pitch tonight is at 9:05 p.m. It will be on Brewers.TV locally and available on MLB Network outside the Brewers’ broadcast area. It will also be on the Brewers Radio Network.
