Key Highlights
- Milwaukee Brewers option LHP Robert Gasser after loss vs. Dodgers.
- Gasser struggled in recent starts, giving up three runs to Teoscar Hernandez’s homer.
- Pitching signs were suspected as a factor by both teams’ managers.
- Carlos Rodriguez recalled and improved his ERA with scoreless relief performance.
The Brewing Storm: Gasser’s Demise at the Hands of Dodgers
Milwaukee Brewers left-hander Robert Gasser is back in the minors, a day after he couldn’t protect an early three-run lead against the Los Angeles Dodgers. You might think this is new, but… it’s been a theme in his recent outings.
Struggles and Strained Signs
In two games with Milwaukee, Gasser went 0-1 with a 6.48 ERA. He struck out seven but walked six over 8⅓ innings. His latest start on Saturday saw him give up three runs to Teoscar Hernandez’s three-run homer that put the Dodgers ahead for good.
The Brewers’ manager Pat Murphy believes Gasser might have been tipping his pitches, a practice both teams employ.
“There’s a huge emphasis on making sure they can’t get your signs from second base—there’s a huge emphasis on it,” Murphy said. “Pitchers have to be able to not give away anything. It’s gotten to (be) a science. Every team does it.
We do it. Every team does it.”
Carlos Rodriguez Steps In with Relief
Milwaukee didn’t just send Gasser back; they also recalled Carlos Rodriguez from Triple-A Nashville. Rodriguez had gone 0-0 with a 2.25 ERA in two relief appearances earlier this season, but his performance Sunday improved his ERA to 1.50. He pitched two innings of scoreless relief against the Dodgers, showing potential despite an 8.03 ERA in five starts and three relief appearances for Nashville.
Questioning the Signs
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was asked about the possibility of Gasser tipping his pitches. “Whether you have them to disguise or act like you have them, (there’s) the gamesmanship part of it,” Roberts said. “If you can kind of make a pitcher feel that you’ve got their signs, then you’ve already won.”
“Honestly, right there, I don’t think we had the signs,” Roberts added. “I think Teo took a good swing and it wasn’t really a great pitch. Yeah, I’m honestly not certain.”
Gasser himself was caught in the crossfire of accusations and denials. “It’s definitely something that’s come up before, and I thought I had a good grip on it and was covering it up,” he said. “I don’t know. Maybe they had something. Maybe not.” It’s a game of cat and mouse that often gets players into hot water.
Conclusion
The Sign-ificance of the Situation
The Brewers’ decision to option Gasser is a clear sign they’re looking for fresh starts and potentially better results. Whether it’s pitching signs or just bad luck, Gasser’s time in Milwaukee was short-lived. As for Carlos Rodriguez, his relief performance suggests he might be worth keeping an eye on.