Opening Day could be sign of things to come for Brewers bullpen

Abner Uribe. Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Opening Day could provide sign of things to come for Brewers bullpen

By David Hill | Last updated 3/29/24

The Milwaukee Brewers bullpen was a question mark heading into the season.

Devin Williams, the Brewers' All-Star closer, battled back soreness during spring training. He was diagnosed with a pair of stress fractures in his lower back, which will sideline him for approximately three months. Williams will return around the middle of June provided he does not suffer any setbacks.

Williams' injury also, naturally, led to questions regarding the bullpen. Trevor Megill, Joel Payamps and Abner Uribe were considered potential replacements for Williams, The Brewers' depth chart listed Uribe as the closer, although the exact roles of the trio appear to be in flux.

Friday may have provided insight as to how the Brewers will utilize their bullpen going forward. Megill entered in the seventh as the Mets were due to have the heart of their order: shortstop Francisco Lindor, first baseman Pete Alonso and second baseman Jeff McNeil. Payamps handled the eighth while Uribe was brought in to close out the ninth.

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— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) March 29, 2024

Such usage could be a sign going forward. Megill adjusted his curve as he bounced between Triple-A and Milwaukee in 2023, leading to a 2.70 ERA and a 1.300 WHiP in his 20 innings after the All-Star Break, striking out 32 batters with five walks. Payamps also made adjustments last season, tweaking his fastball, as he emerged as one of the better relievers in baseball. Uribe had been considered the Brewers' closer of the future based on his triple-digit fastball and impressive slider; the future may be now.

Everything will change once Williams returns. He is expected to reclaim his place as the Brewers' closer, moving everyone back in the pecking order. What is already one of the best bullpens in baseball will get even better. Until then, the Brewers may have their hierarchy set with Megill as the fireman, Payamps in the eighth and Uribe slamming the door in the ninth.

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