Brewers Should Trade for Starting Pitching at the Deadline Following Brandon Woodruff's Injury
By Aaron Halford
After learning that ace Brandon Woodruff's oblique injury will sideline the right-hander at least six weeks, the Milwaukee Brewers will need to make a move before the July 31 trade deadline.
In a tightly contested NL Central division, there's little margin for error down the stretch. The Brewers, currently two games back of the Chicago Cubs, should seek a proven starting pitcher on the trade market to replace Woodruff's production.
The Brewers’ initial expectation is that Brandon Woodruff will miss six weeks with his oblique injury.
— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) July 22, 2019
Of the Brewers' options, Trevor Bauer and Mike Minor stand out as proven starters who can help solidify a shaky starting rotation behind Zach Davies.
Bauer currently leads the major leagues with over 144 innings pitched, and his K/9 is showing no signs of regression at 10.6. The Cleveland Indians starter has experience in the playoffs and can eat up innings, something the Brewers desperately need.
Mike Minor, coming off his first All-Star appearance, would be a valuable get for the Brewers. Currently on a Texas Rangers team that sits out of contention in the AL West, Minor's impressive 2.86 ERA and eight wins would be a smart pickup for Milwaukee.
Regardless of who they seek, it's evident that the team's current rotation isn't going to hold up come October, if they make it that far in Woodruff's stead.