Brewers Prospect To Compete For Opening Day Long Reliever Role

Competing for a role on the Milwaukee Brewers' Opening Day roster.

Brewers manager Craig Counsell said this week that pitcher Ethan Small is competing for a spot in the club's Opening Day bullpen as a long reliever.

Craig Counsell said this morning that Ethan Small is going to pitch as a long reliever this spring, with his status as a lefty working in his favor. Here, Small talks about last year’s struggles: pic.twitter.com/x6Hv8W5Lxo

— Todd Rosiak (@Todd_Rosiak) February 22, 2023

With Aaron Ashby projected to be sidelined until at least mid-May with a shoulder injury, Small was briefly mentioned as a possible candidate to replace him, however, that's since been shut down.

Small had a rough season last year, getting lit up in his first two major league starts, walking away with a 7.11 ERA, 2.53 WHIP, with seven strikeouts over 6.1 innings. 

As a result, Counsell believes Small may be able to find more success as a long reliever. 

The twenty-six-year-old was fantastic in his minor-league career until last season, but still holds a solid 3.13 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, with 242 strikeouts across 201.1 innings of work. 

His control has been his biggest concern, as he's allowed 104 walks over 201 minor-league innings, so that's the biggest thing he'll need to fix.

He is the Brewers' 11th-ranked prospect.
Photo Credit:  Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports