Gio Gonzalez had his start in Game 4 of the NLCS shortened by an ankle injury, and it will end his run on the Brewers’ postseason roster too.
A 13-inning game Tuesday night will test the bullpens of the Brewers and the Dodgers in the rest of the NLCS, especially with the short turnaround to Wednesday’s Game 5. Milwaukee’s bullpen got particularly stretched in Game 4, when starter Gio Gonzalez left the game in the second inning with a left ankle injury. Pedro Gomez of ESPN was first to report Gonzalez will be taken off the Brewers’ postseason roster, and later manager Craig Counsell brought news of a high ankle sprain for Gonzalez with confirmation he’ll have to be replaced on the roster.
Gonzalez was acquired from the Washington Nationals in August, and posted a 2.13 ERA over five regular season starts for the Brewers. He also started Game 1 of the NLCS, and he allowed two runs over three total innings in the series.
Freddy Peralta made his first appearance this postseason after Gonzalez left Tuesday night’s game, and pitched three shutout innings with six strikeouts and three walks. He made 16 appearances for the Brewers during the regular season, including 14 starts, with a 4.25 ERA, 11.9 K/9 and a 4.6 BB/9. A bigger role seems to be in store for Peralta going forward.
The Brewers are sure to add a pitcher to replace Gonzalez on the postseason roster. Chase Anderson (3.93 ERA over 30 regular season starts) and Zach Davies (4.77 ERA over 13 regular season starts) are the top two options to take the spot, followed by Jordan Lyles (3.31 ERA over 11 regular season appearances).
Should the Brewers beat the Dodgers and reach the World Series, Gonzalez will not be eligible now. But if he really has a high ankle sprain, he’d likely be out for the rest of the postseason anyway. So while it’s a cold move at first glance, the Brewers can’t hold a spot for someone who isn’t available.