Milwaukee Brewers Promote Jacob Misiorowski: A Rising Star's Debut

The Milwaukee Brewers are set to promote pitching prospect Jacob Misiorowski, as reported by Jeff Passan of ESPN on June 10, 2025. The right-handed pitcher will make his major league debut starting Thursday against the St. Louis Cardinals, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career. To accommodate Misiorowski on the active and 40-man rosters, the Brewers are expected to transfer Brandon Woodruff to the 60-day injured list, as Woodruff has been sidelined for an extended period due to shoulder surgery.

Misiorowski, 23, is regarded as one of the top prospects in Major League Baseball (MLB). The Brewers selected him in the second round of the 2022 MLB Draft, signing him for a $2.35 million bonus, significantly above the slot value for that pick. Since being drafted, he has demonstrated impressive skills, including a fastball that consistently reaches the high-90s and occasionally hits triple digits. His repertoire also includes a curveball, slider, and a lesser-utilized changeup. However, his control remains a work in progress, illustrated by a walk rate that has hovered around 13.4% in previous seasons.

In the 2023 season, Misiorowski logged 71 1/3 innings across levels, achieving a 3.41 earned run average (ERA) and striking out 35% of opposing hitters. Last year, he transitioned between Double-A and Triple-A, posting a 3.33 ERA with a 30.5% strikeout rate but also a 14.4% walk rate. This season, he has excelled in Triple-A, with a remarkable 2.13 ERA and a 31.6% strikeout rate over 63 1/3 innings. His improved 12.3% walk rate indicates progress, though it remains above the major league average of approximately 8% for starting pitchers.

Baseball America ranks Misiorowski as the 21st best prospect in the league, while FanGraphs places him at 27th. ESPN's recent update lists him at 30th, and Baseball Prospectus had him at 65 before the season. MLB Pipeline expresses some concern over his control issues, ranking him at 68th with speculation that these challenges might eventually necessitate a transition to a bullpen role. Keith Law of The Athletic echoed similar sentiments in his assessment, giving Misiorowski an 87th overall ranking at the start of the year.

The Brewers are experiencing a tumultuous season with their starting rotation, primarily due to injuries to key players. Woodruff's recovery from shoulder surgery has been complicated by ankle tendinitis and an elbow contusion, leading to uncertainty about his return. Additionally, Robert Gasser is recovering from Tommy John surgery, and several other pitchers have also been sidelined due to various injuries, necessitating creative roster management. With 12 different pitchers starting for the team this year, the promotion of Misiorowski comes at a critical juncture in the Brewers' pursuit of a playoff spot, as they currently hold a record of 35-32, just three games back in the National League Wild Card race.

The Brewers' rotation has seen a constant shuffle, with Freddy Peralta, Aaron Civale, Quinn Priester, José Quintana, and Chad Patrick currently occupying starting roles. The addition of Misiorowski may signal a potential six-man rotation or simply serve as a spot start, depending on the team's strategy moving forward. The organization is also contemplating the potential trade of veteran pitchers as the trade deadline approaches. With several impending free agents in their rotation, including Woodruff and Quintana, the Brewers could leverage their depth to bolster other areas of the roster while maintaining competitiveness.

As Misiorowski steps onto the mound for his major league debut, many fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if he can transition his minor league success into effective big league performances. His promotion is not only a testament to his individual talent but also reflects the Brewers' strategic planning in navigating a challenging season. Should he excel, Misiorowski could solidify his place in the starting rotation and potentially become a cornerstone for the team's future success.