Milwaukee Brewers may use Zack Greinke as relief pitcher in Game 5 – MLB Playoffs
The Milwaukee Brewers are seriously considering enlisting the starter Zack Greinke for the decisive Game 5 of National League Division Series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. However, he would not be making a start this time as he is asked to pitch as a
reliever.
Brewers’ manager Ron Roenicke on Thursday hinted at bringing back Yovani Gallardo for starting Game 5 at Milwaukee. This comes at a time when Gallardo was earlier enunciated to be on extra rest.
However, given the importance of the game as the Brewers failed to sweep the series despite winning the first two games against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Ron Roenicke does not intend to go easy this time round.
This is precisely why the team management has decided to use the best available pitchers in Friday’s game. Zack Greinke, the otherwise effective starter, will go for relief pitching. While Game 1 starter, Yovani Gallardo will start the last game.
But part of the reason why Greinke is brought in is due to a carefully formulated strategy. The Brewers do not intend to take any risk. In case of Gallardo getting hits, Greinke may prove instrumental to contain the Diamondbacks’ offence.
"Zack would be available, and not just if Yo isn't pitching well," Roenicke said. "Who knows, [Gallardo] could get a line drive back off a leg or something, and he's got to come out. So Zack will be available tomorrow."
Being in the top 10 ranking of almost every aspect of pitching in the National League, sixth in NL in W (16), seventh in NL in SO (201) and fourth in W% (.727), Greinke ranks 27th in overall ranking.
In the regular season this year, the Milwaukee Brewers starter had played a total of 28 games, winning 16 of them with a 3.83 ERA. In the 171.2 innings that he pitched, he gave up a total of 161 hits and allowed 82 runs. But most important part remains the
16 wins.
Given the strength of the Brewers, it is to be seen on Friday how they make maximum use of their pitchers.
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