The Milwaukee Brewers have seen several former players face disappointing news leading up to Opening Day, with five individuals receiving unfavorable updates. Here’s a rundown:
- Keston Hiura, who is now with the Detroit Tigers, was informed that he wouldn’t be part of the Opening Day roster. His minor league contract includes a clause allowing him to explore opportunities with other teams on specific dates, giving the Tigers a chance to promote him or trade him if another club offers him a 40-man roster spot.
- Kolten Wong, who joined the Baltimore Orioles, exercised an opt-out clause in his minor league contract. He gave the Orioles 48 hours to decide whether to include him on their Opening Day roster or release him, leveraging his veteran status and recent time with the Dodgers.
- Eduardo Escobar, who was with the Toronto Blue Jays as a non-roster invitee, was released by the team after struggling with a batting average of .122 and an on-base percentage of .143 during spring training.
- Zach Davies, now with the Washington Nationals, faced challenges with a high ERA during both the previous MLB season with the Arizona Diamondbacks and spring training this year, resulting in his release from the Nationals.
- Trevor Gott, who had a productive season with the Brewers in 2022 but has since undergone Tommy John surgery, signed with the Oakland Athletics during the offseason but will not be playing this year due to his surgery.
However, there was a glimmer of positivity for one former Brewer:
Bowden Francis, who was drafted by the Brewers in 2017 and later traded to the Toronto Blue Jays, has been informed by the Blue Jays that he has secured a spot in their starting rotation for the upcoming 2024 season after previously appearing in relief roles.
