Prospect Misiorowski sent down, but for how long?
PHOENIX -- Pat Murphy’s takeaway from top Brewers pitching prospect Jacob Misiorowski’s second big league Spring Training camp was this: He has the stuff to be a Major League starter.
Misiorowski, the Brewers’ No. 4 prospect, per MLB Pipeline and No. 99 on the overall Top 100, was among the non-roster invitees returned to Minor League camp on Friday. His ramp-up for the regular season at Triple-A Nashville is expected to continue Sunday with a start in the Brewers’ Spring Breakout matchup against the Reds at American Family Fields of Phoenix.
“I think because of his ability to spin the ball, and working on the changeup the way he is, I think he’s a starter,” said Murphy, the Brewers’ manager. “And I think he can be a real good one.”
Murphy envisions Misiorowski making his Major League debut at some point in 2025, but the right-hander will have to earn that opportunity. The 22-year-old, a second-round Draft pick in 2022, can touch 100 mph with his fastball but doesn’t always command it. Misiorowski was charged with eight earned runs on seven hits and five walks in 7 2/3 innings in the Cactus League. He struck out nine.
Unlike last season, when Misiorowski shifted to Nashville’s bullpen late in the season to be ready for a potential callup in that role, Murphy said he expects the righty will stick to starting this season.
“It depends how permanent that [bullpen] need is and how big that need is,” Murphy said. “I don’t think we do that right away. … Starting pitching is premium, especially a guy with that kind of ability.”
What does Murphy want Misiorowski to take away from this camp?
“I talked to him today about that part of maturing is understanding your level of effort,” Murphy said. “Because you can throw it 100 mph doesn’t really mean anything. It’s being able to command what you can command. You might be better to command 98 and having your variety of pitches and staying ahead in the count, rather than being all heat and being behind 3-and-1 and having 30-pitch innings. You’re not going to get to the big leagues having 30-pitch innings.
“He’s a smart kid. He’ll get it. I think he’s got a great future.”
Supervising Club Reporter Adam McCalvy has covered the Brewers for MLB.com since 2001.