Jacob Misiorowski Workload Limited to Four Innings in Brewers' 8-3 Win Over Mets

Jacob Misiorowski returned from a layoff to strike out six batters in four innings during Milwaukee's 8-3 victory against New York.

Jacob Misiorowski returned to the mound for the first time since July 7, pitching four innings in the Milwaukee Brewers' 8-3 victory over the New York Mets on Monday. The 24-year-old right-hander allowed one unearned run, four hits, and one walk while recording six strikeouts. During the outing, Misiorowski threw 65 pitches, 26 of which reached at least 100 mph. He recorded a maximum velocity of 104 mph on a first-inning fastball to Juan Soto and hit 102 mph on 12 different pitches, with 11 of those high-velocity throws occurring in the opening frame.

Milwaukee manager Pat Murphy characterized the abbreviated start as a reset for the pitcher. The Brewers previously scratched Misiorowski from a July 12 start in Pittsburgh due to arm fatigue. Despite being selected for his second consecutive All-Star Game, the right-hander did not participate in last week's midsummer classic. The appearance against the Mets followed a layoff that began after he threw seven innings in a win at St. Louis on July 7.

Delivery and Velocity Concerns

Murphy noted that the decision to pull Misiorowski after four innings was influenced by the pitcher's mechanics and rhythm. The manager observed that the long layoff impacted the right-hander's delivery and leg usage, leading to a drop in velocity as the game progressed. Because Misiorowski struggled to find the rhythm on his heater, he relied more heavily on off-speed pitches. Murphy stated that the team would have extended his outing further if his legs and delivery had felt optimal, but prioritized being mindful when a player is not feeling completely right.

Misiorowski admitted to feeling the effects of the extended break, noting that he was not using his legs as effectively as usual. He described his performance as feeling halfway decent and good enough to compete. The pitcher spent his previous offseason focusing on leg strength to prepare for the increased demands of a full major league season. He expressed hope that he can increase his pitch count and duration in his next scheduled start.

Statistical Dominance in 2024

The Brewers currently hold the best record in the major leagues at 63-37, leading the Chicago Cubs by seven games in the National League Central. Misiorowski has been a central figure in this success, leading the majors with a 1.57 ERA and 173 strikeouts. Over his last 13 starts, he has posted a 9-2 record and a 0.87 ERA, failing to allow an earned run in eight of those appearances.

Milwaukee is managing the pitcher's total volume as he navigates his first full season in the big leagues. Misiorowski has accumulated 115 innings so far this year. This follows a 2023 campaign where he logged 141 1/3 total innings, a figure that combined his regular-season work in both the majors and minors with 12 postseason innings during Milwaukee's run to the NL Championship Series. The organization views his health as a critical factor for a potential deep postseason run.