Chicago Cubs: Assessing state of the National League Central

Milwaukee Brewers

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The Brewers jumped out to a slow start as they posted a 2-5 record in their first seven games. Despite his team getting off to a slow start, Eric Thames came out of the gates on fire. Through the team’s first 15 games, Thames slashed .426/.491/1.000 with seven home runs and 12 RBI.

Since posting a .345 average in the month of April, Thames has come back down to earth. The 30-year-old first baseman hit just .221 in May, and .194 thus far in June.

Perhaps one of the brightest spots for the Brewers in 2017 has been third baseman Travis Shaw. Acquired in an off-season trade with the Boston Red Sox, Shaw is slashing .295/.350/.537 with 13 home runs and 48 RBI in 62 games.

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Looking at the offensive numbers for the Brewers, it is apparent that Thames and Shaw carry the offense. Shaw leads the team in batting average, RBI, and hits, while Thames leads the team in home runs and OBP.

Pitching will let the Brewers down

Despite solid production from the offense, the Brewers pitching is letting the team down. The Brewers pitching currently ranks 16th in the majors with a 4.29 ERA, and in the bottom half of the majors in WHIP and batting average against.

The Brewers have already used nine pitchers to make 73 starts. Those nine starters have posted an ERA of 4.16. Even with that high ERA, however, the starters have registered 26 wins compared to just 16 losses.

Some signs point in the right direction for the Brewers’ pitching staff, like Chase Anderson‘s 2.92 ERA or Jimmy Nelson‘s 85 strikeouts in 85 inning pitched. However, the Brewers seemly have a revolving door at closer as seven different pitchers have recorded at least one save this season.

Milwaukee seems to have found their closer in Corey Knebel, but they lack enough quality bullpen arms to stay relevant down the stretch.