Examining the Brewers Rotation Fox Sports Milwaukee There's no question Gallardo will be Milwaukee's Opening Day starter and ace of the staff, but the other four spots are completely up for grabs in spring training.
Estrada has the inside track to landing somewhere in the rotation, but he'll still have to earn his spot. With Estrada in behind Gallardo, three spots would remain. Because he is out of options, Mark Rogers is going to be given every chance to claim one of the open positions. Rogers is no sure thing and could be moved to the bullpen, as well.
Chris Narveson is the only left-hander in the mix, and that could give him an advantage. He still must prove he's healthy after making just two starts in 2012 before tearing his rotator cuff. Fiers took the league by storm last season by racing out to a fantastic start but faded late in the year. The Brewers are hoping that was a bit of fatigue setting in rather than a regression to the mean. Milwaukee's top pitching prospect the past few seasons, Peralta has outstanding stuff. The question with him will be whether he can find consistent control of his pitches and stay healthy.
Because he can be sent back to Triple-A for seasoning and because the Brewers want him to be a starter, Peralta might be the odd man out if the competition is close. Gallardo, Estrada, Fiers, Narveson and Rogers would be a safe bet for the Opening Day rotation, but Peralta certainly could swoop in and push one of those five to the bullpen.
Though those are the guys who have the best chance to make the rotation, the Brewers believe Burgos and Thornburg both could step in and be successful in the big leagues right now.
