What We Learned: Brewers are too good for a top draft pick

This Weekend's Results

Brewers 8, Reds 6

Rained out from Friday, the Brewers played two games on Saturday. In game one, Garza struggled again, allowing five runs on seven hits and four walks in 4 2/3 innings pitched. However, the Brewers wouldn't let Garza take another loss. Down 5-1 after five innings, the Brewers scored five runs in the fifth to take a 6-5 lead. The Reds would respond with a run in the seventh to tie the game at 6, but single runs in the eighth and ninth innings gave the Brewers the lead again.

Brewers 7, Reds 3

After a back and forth game earlier in the day, the Brewers led for most of the game in the evening. They scored three runs in the third to take a 3-0 lead, with runs driven in by Domingo Santana, Shane Peterson, and Jean Segura. Wily Peralta made the start and pitched two innings, allowing just two hits and a walk. He would have pitched longer, but a rain delay of over an hour ended his day early. Ariel Pena came in after the delay and pitched three innings, allowing two runs on two hits and a walk. The Reds wouldn't get any closer, though, as the Brewers added a run in the sixth and three in the ninth to secure their sixth straight win.

Reds 6, Brewers 3

The bad version of Jimmy Nelson made an appearance on Sunday afternoon. He allowed five runs on nine hits in five innings, and it put the Brewers in a hole that they couldn't climb out of. On offense, the team managed three runs late, but couldn't recover from Nelson's start. Ryan Braun was the only Brewer with multiple hits in the game, going 2-for-4 with an RBI.

Brewers 9, Marlins 1

On Labor Day, the Brewers put together a dominant game against the Marlins. in his second start, Zach Davies showed off his talent, allowing just one run and four hits in seven innings, with no walks and four strikeouts. Meanwhile, the offense made sure he would get his first major league win. The Brewers scored nine runs between the fourth and sixth innings. Six Brewers had multiple hit games, led by Jonathan Lucroy reaching base four times and Hernan Perez collecting three hits with 3 RBI.

Brewers News & Notes

• If the season ended today, the Brewers would have the seventh pick in next year's draft. Current order would be Phillies (53-85), Braves (55-83), Marlins (57-81), Rockies (57-80), Reds (57-79), Athletics (59-79), Brewers (61-76).
• Over the weekend, the Brewers called up more reinforcements from Colorado Springs as their season ended on Monday. Adam McCalvy reports that the Brewers called up infielder Luis Sardinas and purchased the contract of catcher Nevin Ashley. This is the first time Ashley has been on a MLB roster, and he will be making his MLB debut.
• The Brewers also made some room on their 40-man roster. They placed third baseman Matt Dominguez on waivers, and he was claimed by the Blue Jays. In addition, the Brewers outrighted Brandon Kintzler and Preston Guilmet, reducing their 40-man roster to 37.
• The bullpen got another boost over the weekend as well, as Tyler Cravy was activated from the DL on Sunday. He pitched an inning in relief on Sunday afternoon.
• One player that didn't earn a callup this year is first baseman Matt Clark. Pete Schwichtenberg of Reviewing the Brew is surprised that the Brewers didn't look at bringing up Clark as well.
• Meanwhile, the Brewers will have some tough decisions to make this offseason as several players will need to be added to the 40-man roster for Rule 5 draft protection. Kyle Lesniewski of Reviewing the Brew looks at players who could be added to the roster for protection.
• Matt Garza's bad start on Saturday was his last of the season. Despite his objections, he was removed from the rotation for the remainder of the season. Adam McCalvy notes that the Brewers plan to get Garza ready for 2016, and was asked to pitch out of the bullpen but refused. Also, Israel Fahr of Big League Stew adds that Garza had some strong words for the team after being told he was removed from the rotation.
• With a spot in the rotation open, the Brewers will use it to test potential future starting pitchers. The first opportunity will go to Ariel Pena, who will start in the final game of the Marlins series on Wednesday. Brad Krause of Miller Park Prospects has a profile of Pena.
• Zach Davies got his first win on Monday, and it came in dominant fashion. Adam McCalvy breaks down how Davies was so dominant in his start yesterday.
• Over in the FanPosts, chris33 looks at the rebuilding process that is upcoming for the Brewers infield.

Minor League Update

News & Notes

• Biloxi's first round playoff matchup will be against the Pensacola Blue Wahoos. Games 1 & 2 will be played in Biloxi, while the remaining three (games 4 and 5 if necessary) will take place in Pensacola.
• After being removed from the 40-man roster earlier this year, Wei-Chung Wang may have pitched his way back onto it. Adam McCalvy reports that Wang responded to his removal from the 40-man with dominant pitching in the last half of the season.

NL Central Update

Friday

• Cubs 14, Diamondbacks 5
• Pirates 9, Cardinals 3

Saturday

• Cubs 2, Diamondbacks 0
• Cardinals 4, Pirates 1

Sunday

• Cubs 6, Diamondbacks 4
• Pirates 7, Cardinals 1

Monday

• Reds 3, Pirates 1
• Cubs 9, Cardinals 0

Today's Division Games

• Pirates @ Reds - 6:10 pm
• Cubs @ Cardinals - 7:15 pm

Today's Action

The Brewers continue their three game series against the Marlins this evening in Miami. Taylor Jungmann faces Adam Conley in the second game of the series. First pitch is at 6:10 pm.