Red Sox Trade Hunter Renfroe to Brewers for Jackie Bradley Jr., Prospects
Dec 2, 2021
Baseball: Boston Red Sox Hunter Renfroe (10) warming up before game vs Houston Astros at Fenway Park. Game 5. Boston, MA 10/20/2021 CREDIT: Erick W. Rasco (Photo by Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images) (Set Number: X163840 TK1)
The Boston Red Sox and Milwaukee Brewers made a trade before Major League Baseball's impending work stoppage.
On Wednesday, the Red Sox announced they traded outfielder Hunter Renfroe to Milwaukee in exchange for outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. and minor-league infielders Alex Binelas and David Hamilton.
According to MLB.com's list of prospect rankings, Hamilton was the No. 16 overall player in Milwaukee's farm system, while Binelas was the No. 17 player.
Boston also landed Bradley in the deal and is surely familiar with what he can do. After all, he played for the Red Sox during the first eight years of his career before they traded him to the Brewers prior to the 2021 campaign.
Bradley was an All-Star in 2016, won a Gold Glove in 2018, helped Boston win the 2018 World Series and was the ALCS MVP that year as well. The 31-year-old also hit double-digit home runs five years in a row from 2015 through 2019 and surpassed 20 long balls twice during that span.
However, he struggled in 2021 for the Brewers and slashed .163/.236/.261 with six home runs and 29 RBI in 134 games. It was a far cry from when he finished with a career-best .283 batting average during the shortened 2020 campaign in his final year before Boston traded him.
Renfroe was much better this past year.
He slashed .259/.315/.501 with 31 home runs and 96 RBI for the Red Sox in 2021, which marked his fourth straight full season (not counting the shortened 2020 one) with 26 or more long balls.
The right-handed hitter will bring immediate power to Milwaukee's lineup and figures to provide much more offensively than Bradley did during his one season with the Brewers.
MLB Cy Young Award 2021: Robbie Ray, Corbin Burnes Named AL, NL Winners
Nov 17, 2021
TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 30: Robbie Ray #38 of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches in the first inning of their MLB game against the New York Yankees at Rogers Centre on September 30, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Corbin Burnes was named the 2021 National League Cy Young Award winner while Robbie Ray of the Toronto Blue Jays took home the American League Cy Young.
Burnes and Zack Wheeler each earned 12 first-place votes in the NL race, though Burnes had enough overall points to take the top prize.
Via the @officialBBWAA, here is the full breakdown on NL Cy Young Award voting. Zack Wheeler finishes second to Corbin Burnes, and closer than some expected. pic.twitter.com/4yr3l0Sz8O
There was plenty of debate over the winner in both leagues with no runaway performers over the course of the season.
Robbie Ray was the favorite to win in the AL after leading the league in ERA (2.84), strikeouts (248) and WHIP (1.05) as part of a breakout season for the left-hander.
Though the 30-year-old had always been a top strikeout threat on the mound, Ray cut down his walks this season with a career-low 2.4 per nine innings. It helped him develop into an ace during his first full season with the Blue Jays.
There was still competition in the AL, notably from Gerrit Cole after the New York Yankees star posted a 16-8 record and 3.23 ERA. The 31-year-old was an analytical favorite, topping Ray in FIP (2.92) and WAR (5.3), per FanGraphs. He also led the league with 5.9 strikeouts per walk.
Lance Lynn also had a solid argument for the award with his 2.58 ERA and 1.07 WHIP, though he didn't qualify for the league lead with just 157 innings.
Ray stood above the field as the top pitcher in the league just one season after struggling to a 6.62 ERA in 12 appearances.
Robbie Ray had a 6.62 ERA in 2020
That is the highest ERA for a pitcher in the season prior to winning Cy Young
Prior highest: 2007 Cliff Lee, 6.29 -- won ‘08 CYA
Robbie Ray, prior to this season, had only received Cy Young votes once in his career. Finished 7th that season. He just won the Cy Young as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays. Take a bow Pete Walker.
The NL featured a closer battle between Max Scherzer, Corbin Burnes and Zack Wheeler once Jacob deGrom went down with a season-ending injury in July.
Scherzer split his time between the Washington Nationals and Los Angeles Dodgers and was effective in both spots, combining for a 2.46 ERA and major league-leading 0.86 WHIP. He was especially dominant after his midseason trade to the Dodgers, going 7-0 with a 1.98 ERA in 11 starts.
Wheeler led all pitchers with 7.6 wins above replacement, per Baseball Reference, while going 14-10 with a 2.78 ERA. He also posted two nine-inning shutouts and was truly dominant at times in 2021.
Burnes was more consistent over the course of the season, winning the ERA title with a 2.43 mark, and his 12.6 strikeouts per nine innings was also the best in the NL among qualified players.
Voters decided Burnes was the best of the bunch as he earned his first career Cy Young award.
MLB Trade Rumors: Josh Hader Drawing Interest; Brewers Not Looking to Deal Closer
Nov 15, 2021
ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 12: Josh Hader #71 of the Milwaukee Brewers pitches in the bottom of the eighth inning during Game 4 of the NLDS between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on Tuesday, October 12, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
The Milwaukee Brewers have one of the best relief pitchers in all of baseball in Josh Hader, and MLB teams are wondering what it would take to acquire him.
FanSided baseball columnist Robert Murray reports that Hader is generating trade interest, and the Brewers are willing to at least listen to offers even though they don't intend on moving the lefty flamethrower.
"But there is once again trade interest in Hader, according to sources familiar with the situation," Murray stated. "The Brewers intend to listen to inquiries, as they always do, but are not looking to trade Hader, who is coming off arguably his best season in the majors."
Hader was named the Trevor Hoffman National League Reliever of the Year for the third time in his five-year career. After also winning in 2018 and 2019, he is now the first-ever three-time winner since the award's inception in 2014.
Hader finished with 34 saves and a career-best 1.23 ERA this past season. He dominated opposing batters throughout the second half of the season, as he didn't allow a run after July 28. The 27-year-old closer held opponents to a .126 batting average, the best among relievers by 22 points. He closed out a combined no-hitter for Milwaukee on Sept. 11.
Despite having such a young career, Hader is already the owner of multiple MLB records. He's the fastest player in history to reach 400 career strikeouts (234.2 IP), and he set records for most consecutive outs via strikeout (16) in 2018 and most consecutive hitless appearances (12) in 2020.
A three-time All-Star, Hader would be a major difference-maker in any MLB bullpen. While the Brewers don't have intentions to trade him, they could receive a massive haul if a team that believes Hader puts it over the top is willing to meet Milwaukee's hefty asking price. Listening to offers is the wise thing to do, though the likelihood is that Hader stays put.
Milwaukee made its fourth consecutive playoff appearance this season, falling in the NL Division Series to the eventual champion Atlanta Braves.
Liam Hendriks, Josh Hader Named MLB's 2021 MLB Relievers of the Year
Nov 11, 2021
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 12: Liam Hendriks #31 of the Chicago White Sox pitches during the 8th inning of Game 4 of the American League Division Series against the Houston Astros at Guaranteed Rate Field on October 12, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MLB announced the winners of the Reliever of the Year Award on Wednesday.
In the American League, Chicago White Sox closer Liam Hendriks took home the honors for the second consecutive season. The National League recipient is Milwaukee Brewers closer Josh Hader, who won the award for the third time in his career.
These two pitchers dominated out of the pen in 2021.
The Mariano Rivera AL Reliever of the Year: Liam Hendriks! The Trevor Hoffman NL Reliever of the Year: Josh Hader! pic.twitter.com/GjBFc3usg6
Hader earned the honors in 2018 and 2019 and is now the first-ever three-time winner since the award's inception in 2014. At 27 years old, he has established himself as one of the best relievers in all of baseball since joining the Brewers in June 2017.
Hader finished with 34 saves and a career-best 1.23 ERA this past season. He was lights-out after the midway point of the year, as he didn't allow a run after July 28. Hader held opponents to a .126 batting average, the best among relievers by 22 points.
Hendriks signed the biggest contract for a reliever in average annual value last winter at three years and $54 million, and he proved that he was worthy of every penny. The 32-year-old led the AL with 38 saves and had a 2.54 ERA. His 2.7 WAR last season was the best among all MLB relievers, per FanGraphs.
The White Sox added another All-Star closer to their bullpen at this year's trade deadline, acquiring Craig Kimbrel from the Chicago Cubs. While Kimbrel didn't work out as a setup man, Hendriks remained a consistent force on the back end of the bullpen. He helped lead the White Sox to their first AL Central title since 2008.
Per MLB.com, the Reliever of the Year Awards are voted on by former relievers Mariano Rivera, Trevor Hoffman, Dennis Eckersley, Rollie Fingers and Lee Smith, John Franco and Billy Wagner.
Jackie Bradley Jr. Reportedly Exercises $9.5M Brewers Contract Option for 2022
Nov 3, 2021
Milwaukee Brewers' Jackie Bradley Jr. runs during the second inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Coming off a hugely disappointing 2021 season, Jackie Bradley Jr. has exercised his $9.5 million option to stay with the Milwaukee Brewers, per Jon Heyman of MLB Network and Audacy Sports.
Bradley had a prolonged free-agent period last offseason before signing a two-year, $24 million deal with the Brewers on March 4. He was coming off a solid 2020 campaign with the Boston Red Sox, posting a .283/.364/.450 slash line in 55 games.
One potential reason it took Bradley so long to find a deal that appealed to him is a lack of consistency. The 31-year-old has been difficult to project from a year-to-year basis since making his MLB debut in 2013.
After posting an above-average OPS+ in 2015 (119) and 2016 (118), Bradley posted three straight below-average seasons before the shortened 2020 campaign.
Bradley took a step back once again in 2021, hitting .163/.236/.261 with an OPS+ of 34 while making 134 appearances for Milwaukee.
Despite his inconsistencies at the plate, he has still been able to maintain a lot of value because of his defense in center field, though.
From 2014-21, Bradley ranked seventh in both FanGraphs' ultimate zone rating (48.7) and in defensive runs saved (71) among all qualified outfielders.
Bradley had another excellent defensive season in 2021. He ranked ninth among all National League players with a minimum of 400 plate appearances in defensive value (10.9) and tied for ninth in defensive runs saved (nine).
It's because of this defensive ability that Bradley remained a regular in Milwaukee's lineup throughout the 2021 season, despite being the worst offensive player in MLB.
Given how erratic Bradley has been as a hitter throughout his career, it's not a surprise to see him return to the Brewers. He is also going back to a team with a terrific foundation coming off an NL Central title with aspirations of competing for a playoff spot again in 2022.
Mets Rumors: Brewers GM Matt Arnold Not Interested in Vacant Team President Job
Oct 27, 2021
MILWAUKEE, WI - SEPTEMBER 12: Milwaukee Brewers logo during the second game of the final home series between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Pittsburgh Pirates on September 12, 2017, at Miller Park in Milwaukee, WI. (Photo by Lawrence Iles/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Matt Arnold is "expected" to remain the Milwaukee Brewers' general manager after withdrawing
his name from consideration to fill the New York Mets' president of
baseball operations vacancy, Will Sammon of The Athletic reported Wednesday.
The Mets requested permission to
interview Arnold about the president of baseball operations role,
which is common practice for an executive who could secure a
promotion with a different club, but it was never granted before he
removed his name from the discussion.
Jon Heyman of MLB Network provided further details:
While Mets have interest in Brewers GM Matt Arnold for a top job they have yet to receive permission to interview him and there’s an expectation they may not get that permission. Milwaukee previously turned down Mets’ attempt to interview Crew baseball president David Stearns.
Two MLB sources told SNY's Andy Martino
that Arnold may have "language in his contract" that's more
limiting when it comes to his ability to interview elsewhere.
Heyman later noted Arnold is also receiving an extension from Milwaukee after turning down the Mets' overtures.
The 42-year-old UC Santa Barbara
product joined the Brewers in 2015. They promoted him to general manager last November.
Staying with the Brewers means his
offseason will likely be focused on finding another
high-end bat to slot in the middle of the club's lineup.
Milwaukee features one of MLB's best
rotations, led by Corbin Burnes, Brandon Woodruff and Freddy Peralta,
and a terrific one-two punch in the bullpen with Josh Hader and Devin
Williams.
The Brew Crew's batting order features solid depth,
but it lacked a cornerstone with the decline of 2018 NL MVP Christian Yelich. The outfielder posted a
mediocre .752 OPS with just 21 home runs in 175 games over the past
two seasons.
One more marquee bat could push the
Brewers, who won the NL Central with a 95-67 record before getting
eliminated by the Atlanta Braves in the Division Series, into the
World Series conversation next year.
Meanwhile, the Mets are set to reshape their front office after failing to reach expectations in their first
year under new owner Steve Cohen. They finished third in the NL East
at 77-85.
Mike Puma of the New York Post reported
Tuesday the team previously contacted two other high-profile
candidates, Theo Epstein and Billy Beane, but neither of those longtime baseball executives felt it was the right position for them.
New York could promote from within as assistant general manager Ian Levin and vice
president of amateur and international scouting Tommy Tanous lead the internal options, per Puma.
The Mets, like the Brewers, have a
strong rotation and promising bullpen pieces, but the offense
needs ample work if they're going to chase down Atlanta in the NL
East next year.
Mets Rumors: Brewers GM Matt Arnold Eyed for Team President Vacancy
Oct 26, 2021
PORT ST. LUCIE, FL - MARCH 08: A New York Mets batting helmet in the dugout before a spring training baseball game against the Houston Astros at Clover Park on March 8, 2020 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. The Mets defeated the Astros 3-1. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
The New York Mets are reportedly considering Milwaukee Brewers general manager Matt Arnold for their president of baseball operations vacancy, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post.
The Mets might have extended an offer to Arnold, Puma added.
Arnold has been with the Brewers since the fall of 2015, when he was hired as the team's vice president and assistant general manager. He became the 10th general manager in Milwaukee history in November 2020.
Before joining the Brewers, the 42-year-old spent nine seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays and assisted with player acquisitions and evaluations, along with contract negotiations. He has also worked for the Cincinnati Reds, Los Angeles Dodgers and Texas Rangers.
The Mets initially had their sights set on Brewers president of baseball operations David Stearns but were denied permission to speak with him, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported last week.
Oakland Athletics executive vice president of baseball operations Billy Beane, former Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs executive Theo Epstein and San Francisco Giants general manager Scott Harris were initially being considered for the position, according to Puma. Beane and Epstein were not interested in the job, while Harris recently withdrew himself from consideration.
Mets owner Steve Cohen could make an internal hire if Arnold declines the job, Puma added, and assistant general manager Ian Levin and vice president of amateur/international scouting Tommy Tanous are being considered.
It has been a lengthy front-office search for the Mets, to say the least. The club was unable to hire a president of baseball operations last winter and hired Jared Porter as general manager with the intention that he could one day serve as president.
However, Porter was fired just weeks following his hiring after it was revealed he engaged in inappropriate conduct in 2016, which included sending "explicit, unsolicited texts and images" to a female reporter, according to ESPN's Mina Kimes and Jeff Passan.
Assistant general manager Zack Scott was elevated to acting GM and seen as a possible candidate to replace Porter before an August DWI charge put his status with the organization into question.
The Mets finished the 2021 season with a disappointing 77-85 record. While changes are coming in the front office, the team is also looking for a new manager after firing Luis Rojas and could make several changes on the field before the 2022 campaign begins.
Braves Advance to NLCS with Game 4 Win over Brewers; Will Face Giants-Dodgers Winner
Oct 13, 2021
Atlanta Braves' Freddie Freeman (5) runs to third base after a Atlanta Braves' Ozzie Albies single against the Milwaukee Brewers during the sixth inning of Game 4 of a baseball National League Division Series, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
The Atlanta Braves have reached the National League Championship Series for the second straight year with a 5-4victory over the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 4 of the NL Division Series at Truist Park on Tuesday.
Freddie Freeman provided the knockout blow with a go-ahead homer off Brewers closer Josh Hader in the eighth inning.
Neither offense lit up the scoreboard in the series, but the Braves took control with timely hits when they had runners in scoring position. They also shut out the Brewers 3-0 in Games 2 and 3.
Even in the Game 1 victory, the Brewers offense was mostly silent. The NL Central champions were held scoreless in 25 of their first 26 innings.
After three scoreless innings, both offenses came alive. The Brewers took their first lead of the series since the end of Game 1 on back-to-back RBI singles by Omar Narvaez and Lorenzo Cain.
The Braves got right back into the game in the bottom of the fourth on Eddie Rosario's two-run single.
Milwaukee had a response of its own in the top half of the fifth. Rowdy Tellez, who hit the go-ahead two-run homer in Game 1, took Huascar Ynoa deep to give the Brewers a 4-2 lead.
Atlanta turned around with two runs to tie the game in the bottom of the fifth. The score stayed tied at four until Freeman's heroics against arguably the best closer in Major League Baseball.
Braves Breakthrough Late to Reach NLCS
Even though the Braves kept pace with the Brewers throughout the game, they missed a number of scoring opportunities before Freeman's homer put them over the top.
Atlanta finished Game 4 going 2-of-13 with runners in scoring position. This has been a glaring problem for the Braves throughout the series. They had just two hits in 17 at-bats in those situations during the first three games.
Adding to the unlikely nature of Freeman's homer is how dominant Hader has been against left-handed hitters all season. The Brewers closer allowed a .133/.220/.156 with no homers allowed in 45 at-bats against arm-side hitters in 2021.
Freeman off Hader!? Left on left!? Wowwwwww. Freddie approaching goat status! @FreddieFreeman5
Freeman's OPS against lefties this season was a respectable .760 in 171 at-bats, but he only hit seven of his 31 homers off of them. The reigning NL MVP had a .949 OPS in 429 at-bats against right-handed pitchers in 2021.
Freddie Freeman became the 1st player in franchise history with a go-ahead HR in the 8th inning or later in a series-clinching win. pic.twitter.com/ugQOO86JqB
By clinching the series in Game 4, Atlanta manager Brian Snitker has the benefit of lining up his pitching staff however he wants for the NLCS.
Max Fried, who tossed six shutout innings in the Game 2 win over Milwaukee, seems likely to get the nod to start the National League Championship Series. The 27-year-old has been their best pitcher all year, boasting a 3.04 ERA in 28 starts.
Charlie Morton could return for Game 2 after throwing 3.1 innings on Tuesday. He only allowed two runs and had five strikeouts before being pulled despite throwing only 69 pitches.
Rookie Ian Anderson will also be well rested whenever his number gets called. The 23-year-old tossed five shutout innings in Game 3 against the Brewers on Monday.
The Braves are four wins away from their first World Series appearance since 1999.
Counsell's Gambit Doesn't Pay Off
In a win-or-go-home situation, Brewers manager Craig Counsell threw out everything he could think of to keep his team alive.
The biggest surprise in the game was the decision to use Brandon Woodruff, who threw 91 pitches in Game 2 on Saturday, in relief. The right-hander replaced Aaron Ashby with two outs and two runners on in the bottom of the sixth inning.
It paid off, as Woodruff got four outs to keep the score tied at four going into the eighth inning.
Brandon Woodruff on to pitch in the 6th with runners on the corners for the Braves. First relief appearance for him since game 7 of the NLCS in 2018
After Woodruff's night was done, Counsell elected to put Josh Hader into a tie game in the eighth inning. The left-hander has not pitched more than one inning all season.
We now have an answer for what it would take for the #Brewer to bring in Josh Hader in the 8th inning.
Tie game in an elimination game. That'll do it.
His last outing of more than one inning was last October, when Craig Counsell brought him in in the 5th, in another elim game
It was a smart strategy in practice, but it wound up backfiring in execution. Hader had no problem getting the first two outs in the inning. He needed just seven pitches to strike out Rosario and Dansby Swanson.
Freeman took the first pitch he saw from Hader deep to straightaway center field for the go-ahead home run.
Josh Hader had faced 231 batters this season giving up only 3 HR, and none to lefties.
This series wound up being a microcosm for the Brewers entire season. Their pitching staff performed well enough to win. They only gave up 12 runs in four games to an Atlanta lineup that scored the eighth-most runs in MLB during the regular season (790).
Milwaukee's starting pitchers combined to allow five earned runs in 19.2 innings. But it was the offense's inability to produce that has been the team's Achilles heel all season.
The Brewers scored the fewest runs (738) during the regular season among the eight teams that reached the Division Series. Only the New York Yankees (711) and St. Louis Cardinals (706) were worse among all playoff teams.
Rowdy Tellez was their only player with more than one extra-base hit in the series. His homer in Game 4 was their only non-single in the loss.
Virtually all of Milwaukee's core is under contract next season. Eduardo Escobar, who was acquired in a midseason trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks, is the only significant contributor eligible for free agency.
Unless the Brewers want to dip their toes into free agency for a hitter or two, their biggest goal in the offseason will be trying to get Christian Yelich (103 OPS+ since the start of 2020) playing closer to his peak levels in 2018 and 2019 if they want to improve the offense.
What's Next?
The Braves will play the winner of the Los Angeles Dodgers-San Francisco Giants series in Game 1 of the NLCS on Saturday.
Joc Pederson HR Gives Braves Crucial Game 3 Win, 2-1 Series Lead vs. Brewers
Oct 11, 2021
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 11: Joc Pederson #22 of the Atlanta Braves high fives Dansby Swanson #7 after hitting a three run home during the fifth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers in game 3 of the National League Division Series at Truist Park on October 11, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
In Game 3 of the National League Division Series, the Atlanta Braves earned a 3-0 win at home over the Milwaukee Brewers to take a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five series.
Atlanta was led by Joc Pederson, who hit a pinch-hit three-run home run in the fifth inning to secure the victory. Braves starting pitcher Ian Anderson struck out six in five scoreless innings.
Notable Performers
Braves PH Joc Pederson: 1-for-1, three-run HR
Braves SP Ian Anderson: 5.0 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 6 K's
5th Inning Costly for Brewers, Beneficial to Braves
The turning point in the game came in the fifth inning. In the top half, the Brewers got their first two batters on base as Luis Urias was hit by a pitch and Omar Narvaez followed with a double.
With runners on second and third with one out after a ground out by Lorenzo Cain, Milwaukee manager Craig Counsell made an aggressive move to pinch-hit starting pitcher Freddy Peralta with Daniel Vogelbach. Peralta had pitched four shutout innings, but Counsell decided to pull him with the opportunity to put runs on the board.
That's it for Peralta. Vogelbach is pinch-hitting for him with runners on 2nd and third, 1 out in the fifth. Peralta: four scoreless innings, five Ks. Tells you how rare these opportunities have been.
Unfortunately, the Brewers failed to do just that. Vogelbach grounded into a fielder's choice at third, and Urias was caught in a rundown. Kolten Wong lined out, and the Braves escaped without allowing a run.
Turning to the bullpen in the fifth inning probably wasn't in Counsell's original plan for Game 3. He went with Adrian Houser, who pitched two relief innings in Game 1, and things did not go well.
Houser allowed back-to-back hits by Travis d'Arnaud and Dansby Swanson. Joc Perderson was sent in to pinch-hit for starting pitcher Ian Anderson, and he delivered with a three-run homer to put Atlanta in front.
Scoring opportunities have been hard to come by in this series, so Counsell's move to pinch-hit for Peralta is understandable. But with the way Peralta was pitching, it likely would've benefited Milwaukee for him to have thrown at least one more inning.
The Brewers will have to take advantage of those opportunities with runners in scoring position if they hope to avoid elimination in Game 4 on Tuesday.
Brewers Can't Figure Out Braves Pitching
The Brewers have scored just two runs this series, with both coming in their Game 1 win in Milwaukee. After being shut out in Game 2, the Brewers couldn't get anything going once again Monday.
Anderson was sharp in his five shutout innings with six strikeouts. His changeup was working all day and frustrated Milwaukee hitters.
Ian Anderson's changeup is really good. But this good? Through four innings, the Brewers have whiffed 10 out of 13 swings against the pitch. He's thrown 24 changeups.
Ian Anderson is the first pitcher since 1903 to have 5+ strikeouts while allowing 0 runs in four of his first five postseason appearances. pic.twitter.com/hGYWA3XqM8
Anderson's performance was a continuation of the Braves' strong starting pitching throughout the NLDS.
Charlie Morton, Max Fried and Ian Anderson have combined for 17 IP, nine hits, two earned, one walk and 24 strikeouts through the first three games against the #Brewers. That's a 1.06 ERA. That's good. That's really good. #Braves
After Anderson exited the game, the Braves bullpen continued its stellar pitching this series. After finishing the regular season with a bullpen ERA of 3.97, Atlanta's relievers have allowed no earned runs through three postseason games.
A key moment came in the top of the eighth with Luke Jackson on the mound. Pitching to Willy Adames with a runner on and one out, Jackson made two straight pitches that he thought were strikes but were called as balls by the home plate umpire. Adames connected on the next pitch for a single that moved Jace Peterson to third base.
Despite letting his frustration get to him, Jackson settled down as he was facing former NL MVP Christian Yelich. Jackson induced Yelich to ground into an inning-ending double play.
The Braves have the opportunity to send the Brewers home in Game 4, and their chances of doing so will be good if they can continue to get such strong pitching.
What's Next?
The Braves and Brewers will be back in action for Game 4 in Atlanta on Tuesday at 5:07 p.m. ET. The starting pitchers for the game have yet to be announced.
Max Fried Strikes Out 9 as Braves Beat Brewers 3-0 to Even NLDS at 1-1
Oct 10, 2021
SAN DIEGO, CA - SEPTEMBER 24: Max Fried #54 of the Atlanta Braves, right, is congratulated by Travis d'Arnaud #16 after getting the final out during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on September 24, 2021 in San Diego, California. The Braves won 4-0. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)
The Atlanta Braves have evened up their National League Division Series against the Milwaukee Brewers with a 3-0victory at American Family Field on Saturday.
After being held to one run on four hits in Game 1, the Braves needed a jolt of energy to get back in the series. They haven't won a best-of-five series after dropping the first two games since the playoffs expanded in 1995.
Both pitching staffs were fantastic Friday. The Brewers eventually broke through on Rowdy Tellez's two-run homer in the bottom of the seventh that turned out to be the difference.
The stellar pitching continued in Game 2, as Max Fried was able to outduel Brandon Woodruff.
Fried only allowed three hits and struck out nine in six innings. Austin Riley provided the power with a solo homer. Freddie Freeman and Ozzie Albies also drove in runs for the Braves.
Woodruff was a hard-luck loser, giving up just three runs on five hits over six innings.
Notable Game Stats
Max Fried (ATL): 6 IP, 3 H, 9 K (81 pitches)
Austin Riley (ATL): 2-for-4, HR, RBI
Freddie Freeman (ATL): 1-for-3, RBI, run scored
Brandon Woodruff (MIL): 6 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 7 K (91 pitches)
Willy Adames (MIL): 1-for-4, 2B, 3 K
Braves Stars Shine in Win
As much fun as it is to have an unexpected hero emerge in the playoffs, sometimes the simplest answer for a team with its back against the wall is to rely on its stars.
In the case of the Braves, that meant getting a big effort from Fried and Riley.
Fried has been Atlanta's best pitcher since the start of last season. He's posted a 2.84 ERA in 221.2 combined innings over the past two years. The southpaw stepped up in a big way Saturday to get the Braves back in the series.
The key to Fried's success was being able to get ahead in the count early and throw his curveball to put hitters away.
Max Fried has been working between 95 and 71 mph today, throwing his breaking ball nearly 50 percent of the time. pic.twitter.com/GJBNA3c2iZ
Milwaukee didn't have a runner reach second base until Willy Adames' two-out double in the bottom of the sixth. The threat ended when Fried struck out Eduardo Escobar on a 96 mph fastball.
While Fried was taking care of business on the mound, the heart of Atlanta's order supplied the offense.
Freeman got the scoring started with an RBI single in the top of the third. The reigning NL MVP crossed the plate on Ozzie Albies' double that just missed clearing the fence in right field.
The breakout 2021 season for Riley has been instrumental in Atlanta being able to maintain a high level of play in the wake of Ronald Acuna Jr. tearing his ACL on July 10.
Riley got better as the year went on, posting a .976 OPS and 19 homers after the All-Star break (he had a .826 OPS and 14 home runs in the first half). His second career playoff homer is the latest step in his emergence as a star in the big leagues.
Pitching is going to be the key for Atlanta's potential success in the playoffs, but its trio of stars in the lineup was able to break through against one of the NL's best starters to set the stage for a pivotal Game 3.
Quiet Offense Leaves Brewers Searching for Answers
Through the first two games of the series, Milwaukee's pitching staff has only given up four runs.
Woodruff didn't have his best outing of the season, but he pitched well enough to keep his team in the game.
The problem, as has been the case all season, is the Brewers' inability to score runs when Woodruff is on the mound.
Brandon Woodruff's 2.86 runs of support per nine innings were the lowest of any of MLB's qualifying pitchers during the regular season. Today against Max Fried: Zero runs.
Woodruff was replaced by a pinch-hitter after 6ip, 5h, 3er, 1bb, 7k. 91 pitches.
The top four hitters in Milwaukee's lineup have combined to go 4-for-30through two games against the Braves. The Brewers' best chance to get on the board came in the final two innings.
Braves reliever Tyler Matzek walked Jace Peterson and gave up a bloop single to Kolten Wong to start the bottom of the eighth. Adames, who was the Brewers' best hitter after being acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays on May 21, struck out for the first out.
Matzek got Escobar to fly out to right and Avisail Garcia to strike out to end the rally with no runs allowed.
After the Brewers once again put their first two runners on with no outs in the ninth, Braves closer Will Smith escaped trouble by getting Lorenzo Cain to fly out and Luke Maile to ground into a double play to end the game.
Milwaukee's lack of runs through two playoff games doesn't come as a total surprise. Offense wasn't a strength for the NL Central champs in the regular season.
The Brewers ranked last among all playoff teams in batting average (.233) and slugging percentage (.396). Their .317 on-base percentage was only better than the St. Louis Cardinals (.313) among the 10 postseason clubs.
Adames and Tellez are the only two Milwaukee hitters who have an extra-base hit in 18 innings against the Braves.
If that trend continues, the Brewers' hopes for a long postseason run will be dashed.
What's Next?
The series will move to Truist Park for Game 3 on Monday at 1:07 p.m. ET. The Brewers have yet to announce their starting pitcher. The Braves will send Ian Anderson (3.58 ERA in the regular season) to the mound.
