Story by
Brandon Sproat's latest rough outing for Brewers leads to demotion
- Story by
- Brandon Sproat's latest rough outing for Brewers leads to demotion
Brandon Sproat 's demeanor after his start Aug. 3 all but confirmed the move that was coming. The next day, it became official.
With the addition of Dustin May at the trade deadline and Kyle Harrison rejoining the rotation this week, the Milwaukee Brewers optioned Sproat to Class AAA following his latest poor start.
Advertisement
Sproat gave up four runs against the Pittsburgh Pirates in three innings, a frustrating start that culminated with him being yanked from the game mid at-bat after two straight wild pitches.
Through 21 outings and 19 starts in his tumultuous rookie campaign, Sproat owns a 5.27 earned run average and has allowed 17 homers and 48 walks in 95⅔ innings.
"It's just right now kind of a rough year so far," a dejected Sproat said after his start. "This game's tough. There's a lot of down. That's why the ups feel so good. But, it's just keeping an open mind. Just keep learning. That's really all you can do."
Aug 3, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Brandon Sproat (23) delivers a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
Brewers manager Pat Murphy and president of baseball operations Matt Arnold sat down with Sproat after the game to discuss what was next. Given Sproat's up-and-down (but mostly down) nature of his season, the writing was on the wall, though.
Advertisement
"The kid is great," Murphy said. "He's got so much potential, he really does. Again, two-out walks, things like that, big misses. That stuff, you've got to keep under control."
Murphy ended his postgame availability with a positive tone for Sproat, comparing his season as a talented pitcher who just can't seem to figure it out in his first year starting in the majors to a recent Brewers example.
"You think back to Corbin Burnes in '19," he said. "It's like you're shaking your head, 'What's going on here?'" Murphy said. "This kid [Sproat] is better than Corbin was in '19, and look what he turned into. I think there's a lot there. I'm not trying to suggest he's going to turn into Corbin next year, but there's a lot there."
The season is far from over for Sproat. His pure stuff is among the most enticing on the Brewers and the club has been willing to be patient with him all year because of it.
Advertisement
The paths are not exactly identical , but Jacob Misiorowski found himself in a somewhat similar spot last last year when he was relegated to the bullpen amid second-half struggles. The Brewers still included him on the playoff roster, though, and he was their best arm in the postseason.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Brandon Sproat's latest rough outing for Brewers leads to demotion
