The Brewers have gotten off to the best start in franchise history. Not only were they the first team to 50 wins, but they have held their ground as a powerhouse of the league. Almost everything that could go right for the club has as they were able to start two all-stars and are represented by two more. But while more have been stars this season there still have been disappointments. Here is a look at the four most disappointing Brewers this season.
#4 Ryan Braun
While Braun has continued to put up solid numbers, batting .291 with 11 homers, his biggest disappointment has been his inability to consistently stay on the field. Whether he has been hampered by a sore thumb, oblique, or most recently his back, he has only been able to be able to appear in 69 of the clubs games to start the year. In dealing with injury all year, his bat seems to have lost the trademark pop that he once had.
#3 Jim Henderson
Though he has spent much of the season on the disabled list this year, Jim Henderson’s time with Milwaukee has been frustrating. Entering Spring Training, he was viewed as the clubs closer. But, after being blasted in Arizona, he not only lost velocity on his fastball and his closer role, but he lost trust to be counted on late in tight games. While he is currently rehabbing in AA Huntsville, his first 17 outings at the major league level were atrocious, as he allowed nine earned runs and posted an ERA of 7.15. He has a lot of work to do upon his return make his ERA respectable.
#2 Brandon Kintzler
Last year, Brandon Kintzler was dominant setup man in Milwaukee. He appeared in 71 games with a WHIP just over one and became one of the most consistent arms in the entire bullpen. This season however has been a struggle. He has been hampered by the home run ball, allowing four already this season in his first 31 innings and has lost trust in the backend of the Brewers bullpen.
#1 Marco Estrada
After a great close to 2013 and a strong spring, Marco Estrada entered this season with the highest of expectations, but he has struggled to live up to them. With balls flying out of the park with regularity, his league leading 27 home runs allowed has caused his ERA to steadily rise. While he has been able to post a 7-6 record, his fly-ball style of pitching seems better suited for being a long reliever than one of the team’s five regular starting pitchers. The emergence of Jimmy Nelson, in AAA Nashville has not helped Estrada’s cause for staying in the rotation long term.
Statistics Provided by Baseball Reference
Photo Credit: Reuters
