**Brewers Reacts Survey: Who Should the Brewers Use as a Fifth Starter to Open the Season?**
The Milwaukee Brewers’ pitching staff has long been one of the most reliable components of the team’s success. Over the years, their ability to develop and maintain a strong rotation has been a hallmark of their competitiveness in the National League Central. However, as the 2024 MLB season approaches, the Brewers face a question that could have a significant impact on their postseason aspirations: who should they use as their fifth starter to open the season?
In many ways, the fifth starter position is a critical part of a team’s overall pitching depth. While the top four spots in the rotation often garner more attention due to their importance, the fifth spot is still integral. It provides the team with an additional arm in the rotation, allows for proper rest for the other starters, and can make or break a team’s ability to compete over the long haul. The Brewers’ fifth starter choice will need to balance current performance, future potential, and the ability to maintain consistency throughout the year.
To answer this question, the Brewers conducted a survey to gauge fan sentiment on who should take the ball in the fifth spot. The results were interesting, as a number of candidates were put forward, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. This article will analyze those survey results, break down the top contenders for the fifth starter role, and explore how the Brewers’ decision might affect their pitching staff and season as a whole.
### **The Candidates: Who’s in the Running for the Fifth Spot?**
As the Brewers prepare for the 2024 season, they have several viable candidates to fill the fifth starter role. Each option presents a different type of value to the team, whether it be youth, experience, or a specific skill set. Here are the primary contenders who have been identified as possible candidates for the position.
#### **1. Adrian Houser**
Adrian Houser has been with the Brewers for several seasons and has proven himself to be a reliable contributor to the pitching staff. His ability to both start and come out of the bullpen has made him an important arm for the Brewers over the years. In 2023, Houser posted a 4.39 ERA over 23 starts and 125.1 innings, showcasing his consistency and ability to provide the team with innings.
Houser’s strengths are his ability to induce ground balls and limit hard contact, making him an appealing option for the fifth starter role. His sinker is a key pitch, and when it’s working, he can keep hitters off balance. However, his strikeout numbers have been relatively low in recent seasons, which could raise questions about whether he can succeed as a full-time starter in a competitive division. That said, his experience and past performances certainly make him a solid candidate for the job.
#### **2. Aaron Ashby**
Aaron Ashby is one of the most intriguing young pitchers in the Brewers’ organization. Known for his high velocity and dynamic arsenal, Ashby was highly regarded as a future cornerstone of the rotation when he debuted in 2021. However, injuries and inconsistency have limited his impact thus far, and the Brewers are still waiting for him to break out as a consistent, reliable starter.
Ashby missed significant time in 2023 due to shoulder issues, but when healthy, he’s shown flashes of brilliance. His fastball-slider combination is potent, and he has the ability to get strikeouts in bulk. The issue with Ashby has been his control and the ability to stay healthy for a full season. If Ashby can stay healthy and refine his command, he has the potential to be a dynamic fifth starter who can provide the Brewers with a different look compared to their other pitchers.
#### **3. Eric Lauer**
Eric Lauer, like Adrian Houser, is another experienced pitcher who has spent several seasons with the Brewers. The 28-year-old left-hander has been a solid contributor over the past few seasons, with a career 4.26 ERA and a track record of taking the ball every five days. Lauer has typically been a reliable mid-rotation arm, and while he might not have the high upside of Ashby or the durability of Houser, he’s known for his ability to eat innings and keep the team in games.
Lauer’s main strengths lie in his ability to mix pitches effectively, particularly his changeup, which has been a valuable weapon against right-handed hitters. His biggest challenge is that he can occasionally struggle with command, which results in more baserunners and home runs allowed. However, his consistency and experience in a variety of roles make him a solid option for the fifth starter spot.
#### **4. Freddy Peralta**
Freddy Peralta is one of the Brewers’ best pitchers when he’s at his best. A dynamic right-handed pitcher, Peralta has the ability to miss bats at an elite rate with his electric fastball and slider. However, 2023 was a challenging season for Peralta, as he battled through injuries and inconsistency. While he posted solid strikeout numbers, he struggled with his control and saw his ERA rise to 4.45.
The reason Peralta is an intriguing option for the fifth starter role, despite being better suited for a top-of-the-rotation role when healthy, is that he has the talent to dominate. If Peralta can stay healthy and refine his control, he could be an electric weapon in the fifth spot. However, given his volatility, the Brewers might opt to give him more time to adjust and possibly use him as a weapon out of the bullpen, at least early in the season.
#### **5. Depth Options: Bryce Wilson, Colin Rea, and Others**
In addition to the main contenders, the Brewers have other depth options who could step into the fifth starter role if necessary. Bryce Wilson, a former Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher, has spent time as both a starter and reliever and could provide the Brewers with a reliable innings eater in a pinch. Similarly, Colin Rea, who has bounced between the majors and minors over the past several years, could be an option if the Brewers want to lean on someone with more experience in a depth role.
Both Wilson and Rea are more low-ceiling options compared to the other candidates, but they could provide the Brewers with some stability in the back of the rotation, especially if injuries or struggles affect the more prominent names.
### **Fan Reactions: Survey Results and Analysis**
The Brewers recently conducted a survey to gauge fan sentiment on who should take the fifth starter role, and the results were revealing. While there was no clear consensus, a few trends emerged from the responses that highlight what fans are hoping for from the Brewers’ pitching staff.
#### **Adrian Houser: The Experienced Option**
Adrian Houser was the most frequently selected candidate among fans, receiving strong support for his experience and ability to limit damage. Houser’s past success in the Brewers’ rotation has made him a safe choice for many fans, particularly those who value stability in the back of the rotation. The general consensus is that while Houser might not have the highest ceiling, his ability to go deep into games and limit runs makes him a trustworthy option.
Fans also appreciate his consistency, something that has been lacking in the Brewers’ rotation in recent seasons. With the Brewers relying on their bullpen heavily, having a starter like Houser who can go deep into games could prove to be invaluable.
#### **Aaron Ashby: The Exciting Young Arm**
Aaron Ashby was another candidate who received a significant amount of fan support. Brewers fans are excited by Ashby’s potential, and many believe that if he can stay healthy and refine his control, he could be an impact player in the rotation. His velocity and strikeout ability are major selling points, and fans are eager to see what he can do if given a full season as a starter.
However, there is also some caution with Ashby, as fans are aware of his injury history and struggles with command. Many fans feel that Ashby might be better suited for a bullpen role if he continues to struggle with consistency, but if he can tap into his potential, he could be the most dynamic option for the Brewers.
#### **Eric Lauer: The Reliable Veteran**
Eric Lauer’s name also appeared in many fan responses, though not as frequently as Houser and Ashby. Fans who supported Lauer pointed to his reliability and the value of having a steady presence at the back of the rotation. While Lauer might not have the upside of some of the other candidates, his ability to keep the team in games and take the ball every fifth day was highlighted as a key factor in his candidacy.
However, some fans expressed concerns about Lauer’s tendency to give up home runs and struggles with consistency. There is a belief that the Brewers could find more upside with other pitchers, but Lauer’s experience and track record make him a solid option for the fifth starter role.
### **What Does This Decision Mean for the Brewers’ 2024 Season?**
The decision on who takes the fifth starter role will have ripple effects on the Brewers’ pitching staff and overall season. The fifth starter is often an afterthought, but in reality, this spot can play a crucial role in the team’s success. A solid fifth starter can help give the bullpen more rest, provide consistency in the rotation, and give the team a better chance to win games.
If the Brewers choose Adrian Houser, they can rely on his experience and consistency, but they may lack the high upside needed to compete in the postseason. Aaron Ashby offers more potential but comes with risks due to his injury history and command issues. Eric Lauer, while steady, may not have the same high ceiling as the other options. Regardless of the decision, the Brewers’ ability to develop pitching depth will be crucial to their postseason hopes.
Ultimately, the Brewers’ fifth starter will need to contribute both on the mound and in the clubhouse. As the team prepares for the 2024 season, this decision will be one of the most important for the Brewers’ pitching staff, and it will be interesting to see how it plays out as the season progresses.
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This article analyzes the Brewers’ options for their fifth starter position and the fan reactions from the survey. If you’d like further details on any specific aspect, feel free to ask!
