Brewers Demote Brandon Sproat Following Four-Run Ninth Inning Against Cubs

Brandon Sproat was sent to Triple-A Nashville after walking four batters and allowing four runs during the ninth inning of Milwaukee's 8-6 win.

The Milwaukee Brewers optioned pitcher Brandon Sproat to Triple-A Nashville on Wednesday following an 8-6 victory over the Chicago Cubs. Entering the ninth inning with an 8-1 lead, Sproat walked four of the five batters he faced and committed both a throwing error and a wild pitch. He exited the contest with one out and the bases loaded while the score sat at 8-2. Reliever Abner Uribe eventually secured the final two outs after the Cubs narrowed the deficit to two runs.

Wednesday’s appearance was Sproat’s first since being recalled from the minors on Monday to test a bullpen role. The right-hander previously spent the majority of the season in the starting rotation before an initial demotion in early August. Through 22 appearances and 19 starts this year, Sproat has posted a 3-7 record with a 5.57 ERA. Manager Pat Murphy characterized the performance as unacceptable, stating that a major league pitcher must be able to throw the ball over the plate.

Milwaukee originally acquired Sproat and prospect Jett Williams from the New York Mets in a preseason trade for two-time All-Star Freddy Peralta. While Sproat returns to Nashville, his former trade counterpart, Peralta, was moved by the Mets to the Tampa Bay Rays at the trade deadline.