Matt Garza won’t make his next start for the Milwaukee Brewers; Thursday’s starter TBD

Matt Garza exited his last start Saturday after only four innings following a collision with Jesus Aguilar while both attempted to cover first base. He was very sore the following day, likening the feeling to “being hit by a truck,” and his next scheduled start for Thursday was called into question. Though manager Craig Counsell said yesterday that he expected Garza to take his next turn in the rotation as usual, we learned today that he will not in fact pitch on Thurday:

The Brewers have not yet announced a starter to make Garza’s next scheduled start, but there are a few possibilities. Paolo Espino was scheduled to start yesterday for Colorado Springs, but was scratched while Andy Oliver took the mound instead. Espino is healthy, is already on the 40 man roster, and has previously made a spot start for the Brewers this season, tossing four innings while allowing two earned runs against the Cubs on May 19th. This season for AAA Colorado Springs, he owns a 3.26 ERA/1.13 DRA with a 48:8 K/BB ratio across 49.2 innings pitched.

Another possibility would be Brandon Woodruff getting the call. He last pitched for Colorado Springs on Saturday and would be on regular rest for Thursday’s game. The top prospect owns a 3.36 ERA/2.23 DRA and 59:17 K/BB ratio though 61.2 innings this season. He is not currently on the 40 man roster, however, and would a corresponding move would be required clear space for him. Further down the ladder in AA, Aaron Wilkerson (3.65 ERA/2.32 DRA, 62:14 K/BB in in 56.2 IP) is scheduled as Thursday’s starter for the Shuckers and is also not on the 40 man roster.

There has been no word yet about whether or not Matt Garza will be placed on the 10 day disabled list, or if he’ll miss more than one start.

Statistics courtesy of Baseball Prospectus