Article: So Who is Connor Sadzeck?

[Cole McCormack]

In a shocking turn of events, Keston Hiura has been sent down to Triple-A Nashville and Milwaukee has called up 30-year-old pitcher, Connor Sadzeck.

In a strange move, the Brewers sent Keston Hiura down to AAA and called up RHP Connor Sadzeck. This is odd, considering that Hiura has been putting up solid offensive numbers as of late, even making a fantastic defensive catch in left field back on July 6th. Meanwhile, Sadzeck hasn’t made an MLB appearance since the 2019 season, leading some to wonder, what can we expect from Milwaukee’s new pitcher?

Originally drafted in 2010 by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 45th round, he chose not to sign with the organization and instead attended Howard College. He eventually was drafted the following year by the Texas Rangers in the 11th round. 

Throughout his early minor league career, Sadzeck was plagued with injuries. He required a Tommy John surgery early on, and in 2019, he dealt with a flexor mass issue.

Sadzeck made his MLB debut 7 years after being drafted in the 2018 season. Of the 13 games played that year, he started 2 of them. He pitched 9.1 innings, striking out 7 batters but walking 11. His ERA for that season was a very low 0.96, though his FIP was at a very rough 5.52. He was designated for assignment, ultimately being traded to the Seattle Mariners for right-handed relief pitcher Grant Anderson. 

Sadzeck’s time in Seattle was an improvement over the previous season, notching 27 strikeouts while only walking 15 batters. He played a total of 20 games and pitched 23.2 innings. His ERA increased to 2.66, but his FIP decreased to 4.74. He was eventually outrighted at the end of the season.

In 2020, Sadzeck signed a minor league deal with the White Sox but after a poor performance in Triple-A during the 2021 season, he was released. While in Triple-A, Sadzeck played only 23 games and pitched 27.2 innings but finished the season with an ERA of 5.86. 

Prior to the 2022 season, Milwaukee signed Sadzeck on a minor league deal and so far his performance in Nashville has shown a lot of promise. 

When comparing his 2022 season to his 2021 season, the biggest difference is his ERA. While playing for the Sounds, his ERA is at a very strong 0.96. He has played 24 games and has pitched 28 innings. He has struck out 35 batters, 7 more than last season. He is walking less batters and has also lowered his WHIP from 1.78 to 0.55. 

Despite making huge strides in improving his pitching ability, it seems unlikely that Sadzeck will be a go-to bullpen arm like Brad Boxberger or Devin Williams.

The reason for his promotion is due to the fact that Milwaukee needs bigger and better bullpen arms, a need that will likely be addressed by the August trade deadline. While it hurts to see Hiura get sent down to the minors again, Sadzeck could make a wonderful comeback for his career. His numbers in Triple-A this season certainly suggest that he has the potential to do so. However, can he stay healthy enough?

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