The Milwaukee Brewers might be about to shake up their pitching plans for the upcoming season. They’re thinking about moving Angel Zerpa, who’s usually a relief pitcher, into a starting role.
This idea comes after a season filled with ups and downs, especially in their starting rotation. The Brewers need to strengthen that group, and management sees Zerpa as someone who could handle the jump.
They’re hoping he can make it work, which could really change things for their 2026 campaign. Let’s dig into what this move could mean for both Zerpa and the team.
Angel Zerpa: A Profile of Potential
Angel Zerpa is a 25-year-old lefty who’s turned some heads with his relief work over the past few seasons. He’s got a fastball that pops and a couple of sharp breaking pitches.
The Brewers have leaned on him out of the bullpen, and he usually keeps his cool, even in tense situations. The coaching staff trusts him, but they’re not just looking at his current skills.
Why Zerpa?
The Brewers have a few reasons for thinking about Zerpa as a starter:
- Depth Issues: Injuries and inconsistency have thinned out their starting rotation.
- Skill Set: Zerpa’s mix of pitches and his durability hint that he could handle starting duties.
- Development: With the right training, the team believes Zerpa could grow into the starter role.
The Brewers’ Pitching Landscape
The Brewers’ pitching staff has really been a mixed bag. Some pitchers have stood out, but inconsistency has been a real issue.
When the starters struggle or get hurt, the bullpen ends up taking on more work. That kind of workload wears guys down over a long season.
Current Rotation Challenges
Here’s what the rotation has been up against:
- Injuries: Key starters have missed a lot of time, which throws everything off.
- Performance Variability: Some starters just can’t seem to find their rhythm from game to game.
These problems have the Brewers looking for answers from within, and that’s where Zerpa comes in.
Transitioning from Reliever to Starter
Switching from the bullpen to the rotation isn’t simple. The job’s different—more innings, more pressure, and a whole new routine.
Zerpa’s going to have to make some big adjustments, both physically and mentally.
Increased Workload
As a starter, he’ll need to build up his stamina. That means a tougher conditioning plan so he can last deeper into games.
The coaches will work with him to create a training program that focuses on endurance and recovery. It’s a lot, but that’s what it takes.
Pitching Strategy
Relievers usually stick to their best stuff and try to get quick outs. Starters need to mix things up so hitters don’t catch on by the second or third time through the order.
Zerpa will have to sharpen his secondary pitches and start thinking more strategically about how he attacks each lineup.
Implications for the Brewers
If Zerpa can pull off the switch, the Brewers stand to gain a lot:
- Rotation Stability: A dependable starter would help settle things down.
- Bullpen Relief: Moving Zerpa out of the bullpen could let the relievers focus on shorter, high-pressure spots.
- Team Flexibility: A deeper rotation means the team can manage workloads better and maybe dodge a few more injuries.
Challenges and Considerations
Of course, there are risks. Zerpa’s got some hurdles to clear as he tries to settle into a starter’s role.
Injury Risk
Taking on more innings and changing up his mechanics could increase Zerpa’s injury risk. The Brewers’ medical and training staff will have to keep a close eye on him and tweak his program if needed.
Performance Consistency
It’s tough for any pitcher to stay sharp over longer outings, especially after coming from the bullpen. Zerpa will need to build up the toughness—both mental and physical—to handle the grind of starting games.
Conclusion
The Brewers are thinking about using Angel Zerpa as a starter. It’s a bold move and honestly, it shows they’re willing to shake things up with their pitching.
Switching Zerpa’s role won’t be easy. There are risks, but the upside here could be huge.
If things go well, maybe the rotation finally settles. That could put the Brewers in a much better spot for 2026.
Fans, analysts—everyone’s going to be watching to see if Zerpa can handle it. Who knows? This experiment might just pay off.
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