Brewers Promoting Pitching Prospect Ethan Small

Ethan Small is the 7th ranked Milwaukee Brewers prospect per MLB Pipeline. Small ranked #5 in the Brewer Fanatic preseason prospect rankings. Drafted 28th overall in 2019, Small was the SEC Pitcher of the Year for Mississippi State that season. Small split time in 2021 between Double-A and Triple-A for Milwaukee while pitching entirely at the highest level of the minors this season.

In 2022, Small has pitched 38 1/3 innings for Nashville while compiling a 1.88 ERA. His eight starts have produced gaudy strikeout totals to the tune of an 11.5 K/9, and he's limited damage allowing just 22 hits, of which only one was a home run. If there's still something to work on with his game it's control, as the 4.9 BB/9 could be exploited at the highest level.

Small's best pitch is probably his changeup, and while he sits in the lower 90's, his spin rates help the fastball to get on hitters more quickly than expected. He's primarily been a two-pitch pitcher to this point in his professional career and taking a further step forward will be reliant on the development of a capable third pitch.

Right now, Small could be exactly what the Brewers ordered. He's replacing a guy that was working out of the fifth rotation spot and that should be factored in when gauging expectations. Small doesn't need to feel pressure to come in and replicate Corbin Burnes or Brandon Woodruff. He needs to give Milwaukee quality stuff every fifth day and help to round out a rotation that's pushed the Brewers to the top of the NL Central. 

Small's promotion comes on the heels of yet another pitching swap for Milwaukee. Prior to Saturday's game, the club placed right-handed reliever Luis Perdomo on the injured list with a right elbow effusion. Right-hander Miguel Sanchez was recalled from Triple-A to take his place.

There's a significant opportunity for Small to settle in as a big-leaguer here, and no doubt, the Brewers are hoping he runs with it.

Leave your thoughts on the looming promotion of Ethan Small and what you think his potential is. How does he, and how do you think his role will compare to another lefty, Aaron Ashby? Leave your COMMENTS below.