Is Abner Uribe Running Out of Steam a Reflection of the Brewers as a Whole
Abner Uribe’s recent performance has raised concerns about the Milwaukee Brewers’ overall form. Uribe’s heavy workload throughout the season is showing its effects as he struggles to maintain his velocity in the postseason. This downturn is symptomatic of the Brewers’ broader challenges as they face a formidable opponent in the NLCS.
Postseason Struggles for Uribe
Abner Uribe made 75 appearances in the regular season, including 69 outings of three outs or more. Despite allowing only three hits in four postseason appearances, he has walked four batters and struck out just four. This decline is attributed to reduced velocity, a trend noticed since September. Uribe’s performance in the NLDS highlighted this issue, and the NLCS has not been kinder to him.
Managing Workload
Manager Pat Murphy attempted to manage Uribe’s workload cautiously. Before the All-Star break, Uribe appeared in 40 games, often with little rest. Post-break, his use on zero or one day of rest decreased. Murphy even gave Uribe a week off in September, aiming to prepare him for the playoffs. However, due to injuries to key players like Shelby Miller, Nick Mears, and Trevor Megill, Uribe’s workload could not be reduced further.
Injury Impact and Team Strategy
The Brewers’ bullpen depth has been tested due to injuries. Shelby Miller’s elbow injury and the absences of Mears and Megill placed additional pressure on their pitching rotation. In retrospect, the Brewers might have benefitted from acquiring another reliable reliever at the trade deadline. This shortage has become evident in their struggle to compete against the Dodgers in the NLCS.
Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges, the Brewers have secured a week of rest and home-field advantage, which has been instrumental in their journey so far. As the NLCS progresses, finding a new standout performer from their pitching staff and revitalizing their offense is crucial. The team’s ability to adapt will determine its fate in the remainder of the series.
