What We Learned: Jimmy Nelson is emerging as a top starter for the Brewers

Yesterday's Results

Brewers 4, Padres 1

We may be seeing the beginning of Jimmy Nelson's emergence as a strong starter for the Brewers now. In last night's game, he pitched 6 2/3 innings, allowing just one unearned run on three hits and a walk while striking out four. Nelson has not allowed an earned run in his last three starts covering 20 2/3 innings and has lowered his ERA to 3.57. In the last 30 days, he has a 0.79 ERA, 2.50 FIP, 8.21 K/9, has not allowed a home run, and leads the pitching staff with a 1.1 fWAR.

The Brewers also backed Nelson up with some offense in the game. Khris Davis drove in two runs, and Ryan Braun reached base four times (two hits, two walks), scoring on two of those.  Meanwhile, the bullpen ran into a bit of trouble with Jeffress allowing three hits, but did not allow a run to end the Brewers six-game losing streak.

Brewers News & Notes

• After yesterday's game, the Brewers optioned Preston Guilmet to Triple-A Colorado Springs and recalled Tyler Cravy. Considering the timing of the move, Cravy will probably be in the bullpen for now.
• Brandon Curry of MLB.com reports that Corey Knebel's recent run of good outings from the bullpen may have earned him a shot at more important innings in the future.
• The trades that the Brewers made at the deadline are the first steps in whatever process the Brewers are in the middle of right now. J.P. Breen of BP Milwaukee looks at what is next in the process for the Brewers.
• In a similar post on BP Milwaukee, Derek Harvey looks at when different prospects in the Brewers system could conceivably compete for a position on the Brewers roster.
• With the trades at the deadline completed, Nicholas Zettel of Disciples of Uecker re-ranked all of the players of impact within the Brewers system.
• Over on Reviewing the Brew, Kyle Lesniewski looks at the process of rebuilding the infield, both on the pitching side and with the actual infielders.

Minor League Update

News & Notes

• Marcus Young of Miller Park Prospects notes that the Brewers named their minor-league players of the month yesterday. Jason Rogers of Colorado Springs took the player of the month award, and Jorge Lopez of Biloxi was named pitcher of the month.

NL Central Update

• Reds 3, Cardinals 2
• Cubs 5, Pirates 0

Today's Division Games

• Cubs (Dan Haren) @ Pirates (Jeff Locke) - 6:05 pm
• Cardinals (Carlos Martinez) @ Reds (David Holmberg) - 6:10 pm

Around Baseball

Roster News

• The Braves placed first baseman Freddie Freeman on the 15-day DL with an oblique injury, as well as RHP Jason Frasor with a strained right shoulder. They recalled first baseman Joey Terdoslavich and RHP Ryan Kelly.
• The Cubs activated LHP Tsuyoshi Wada from the 15-day DL and optioned him to Triple-A.
• The Mets acquired LHP Eric O'Flaherty and cash from the Athletics in exchange for a PTBNL. In a corresponding move, they designated LHP Alex Torres for assignment.
• The Rangers released LHP Wandy Rodriguez.
• The Red Sox released reliever Ronald Belisario.
• The Reds activated LHP Manny Parra from the 15-day DL and optioned outfielder Kyle Waldrop.
• The Rockies recalled RHP Jon Gray and optioned reliever Gonzalez Germen.

Other Notes

• Tigers president/GM Dave Dombrowski was released from his contract with the Tigers yesterday, just four days after the trade deadline.
• Mike Bates of MLB Daily Dish is running a series on confidence ratings for all 30 MLB general managers, and needs your help in rating the Brewers front office. Results will be published later this week.

Today's Action

With the series split at 1-1 so far, the Brewers and Padres play game three tonight at Miller Park. Ian Kennedy returns from the paternity list to face Taylor Jungmann, who has posted the highest bWAR on the Brewers this season. First pitch is at 7:10 pm (the latest game in MLB today).