Milwaukee Brewers

Milwaukee Brewers ace Corbin Burnes' historic streak of not walking an opposing hitter came to an end on Thursday. 

Burnes set a new Major League Baseball record with 58 strikeouts before issuing his first walk of the year in the top of the fifth against the St. Louis Cardinals when Tommy Edman drew a free pass. 

And the streak ends at 58. Amazing start to 2021 for Burnes.

— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) May 13, 2021

Burnes entered the game with 49 strikeouts, zero walks and a 1.53 ERA in 29.1 innings through his first five starts. He surpassed the MLB record of most consecutive strikeouts without a walk in the second inning with his third punchout of the afternoon. 

The previous record of 51 consecutive strikeouts without a walk was set by Los Angeles Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen in 2017. He set the mark over 31 appearances covering 32 innings from April 5-June 25. 

Burnes' record streak caps off an incredible transformation for the right-hander. He began his career in the big leagues as a reliever for the Brewers squad that reached the NLCS in 2018. 

After posting an 8.82 ERA in 32 appearances during the 2019 season, Burnes returned to form last year with a 2.11 ERA that led him to a sixth-place finish in NL Cy Young voting. 

Thursday marked Burnes' first appearance since telling reporters he tested positive for COVID-19 last month. He allowed one run on five hits and one walk with nine strikeouts in five innings against the Cardinals. 

Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich went back on the injured list with a lower back strain after having just been activated by the team on Monday.

The team announced the move Tuesday and said Tyrone Taylor will be recalled to fill Yelich's spot in the roster.

Counsell on Yelich: "Last night told us that he's not going to be able to do this on a daily basis. And so we need to stop and completely resolve this. ... At this point, we don't have an answer."

They will spend the next few days seeking "avenues to get answers."

— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) May 4, 2021

Any injury to the 29-year-old is sure to raise concern for Milwaukee considering he already missed time this season with the back injury. Manager Craig Counsell told reporters in April that he "unfortunately hit a bit of a plateau" during his comeback efforts from that initial back injury.

When healthy, Yelich is one of the best players in the league.

The 2018 National League MVP is a three-time Silver Slugger winner and two-time All-Star who also has a Gold Glove and two batting titles on his resume. However, he struggled compared to his other recent efforts during the shortened 2020 campaign and slashed .205/.356/.430.

Yelich has responded with a .353/.463/.382 line through 10 games in 2021.

Despite his struggles at the plate, the Brewers will have difficulty replicating his impact now that he's sidelined once again.

Things are going fairly well for the Milwaukee Brewers this season considering they are in first place in the National League Central at 17-11, but nothing went well during Sunday's 16-4 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Not only did the Brewers lose by 12 runs, pitcher Alec Bettinger tied Major League Baseball's all-time record by allowing 11 earned runs during a debut performance, per Adam McCalvy of MLB.com.

Chicago White Sox pitcher Arnie Munoz also allowed 11 runs during a June 2004 start against the Montreal Expos.

The Brewers right-hander allowed the 11 earned runs, 11 hits and two walks over the course of four innings.

McCalvy explained manager Craig Counsell left him in that long in part because the team is dealing with a handful of injuries and is in the middle of a stretch of playing 17 games in as many days. Taking him out earlier would have put undue stress on the bullpen during a game that was essentially decided in the first two innings.

AJ Pollock hit a grand slam in the first, while Matt Beaty launched a grand slam in the second.

That made Bettinger, who also allowed RBI singles to Beaty in the first and fourth innings, the first pitcher in the modern era to give up multiple grand slams in a debut.

"I've been punched in the mouth plenty of times in this game," Bettinger said. "This game is going to humble you many, many times. Anybody who's played it for as long as we have here knows that. I'm just going to keep pushing forward. That's all I can do at this point."

Sunday was a disappointing development for the Brewers, but they still took three of four against the defending World Series champions and have remained in first place with Christian Yelich, Lorenzo Cain and Corbin Burnes all sidelined by injuries.

Next up is a four-game series at the Philadelphia Phillies that starts Monday.

Few pitchers in baseball have been better than Corbin Burnes at the start of the 2021 season, but the Milwaukee Brewers announced they placed him on the injured list Thursday. 

"Corbin is on the injured list," manager Craig Counsell told reporters when asked if the right-hander tested positive for COVID-19. "I can't discuss it."

ESPN's Jesse Rogers noted the team plans on naming a replacement for him on the roster following Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

This is another setback for the Brewers, who are also missing outfielders Christian Yelich (back) and Lorenzo Cain (quad).

"We're getting hit with injuries," Counsell said. "There's no reason to get upset about this. We have to deal with it. We're working on getting guys healthy. Not one of these injuries is a long-term thing. We will get these players back."

Despite the injuries, Milwaukee is still in first place in the National League Central at 14-10 and 1.5 games ahead of the second-place St. Louis Cardinals.

Burnes is a primary driving force for that early success, as he has a 1.53 ERA, a league-leading 0.55 WHIP and 49 strikeouts in 29.1 innings. He also hasn't walked a single batter and has helped set the tone for a pitching staff that is fifth in the National League in ERA.

While the right-hander had an ugly 8.82 ERA in 2019, he broke through during the shortened 2020 campaign with a 2.11 ERA and 1.02 WHIP. His early success this year has been more of the same, and he appears primed to anchor Milwaukee's staff for years to come.

The 26-year-old is under team control until 2025.

Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich is working his way back to the field after an MRI showed no major issues in the lower-back problem that has kept him off the field since April 11.

"We basically just ruled out anything significant structurally that would show up on the MRI," Brewers manager Craig Counsell told reporters Sunday. "We still need to make progress to get him back on the field and so from that perspective not much has changed. But we'll keep moving forward and see what some activity tomorrow at the field brings."

The 29-year-old Yelich is in the midst of his fourth season with the Brewers, and he has struggled through injuries thus far in 2021.

Yelich has already missed 11 games with a back injury that he suffered in April. In nine games played so far this season, Yelich is hitting .333 with a .459 on-base percentage with one RBI.

While Yelich showed a great deal of potential during his five seasons with the Miami Marlins, it wasn't until he got traded to Milwaukee in 2018 that he truly broke out.

During his first season with the Brew Crew, Yelich won the National League batting title with a .326 batting average and also clubbed 36 home runs and 110 RBI, while scoring 118 runs and stealing 22 bases.

Yelich was named an All-Star for the first time in his career thanks to that performance, and he also won the NL MVP Award.

He was arguably even better in 2019, winning another batting title with a .329 average and recording 44 homers, 97 RBI, 100 runs and 30 steals. Yelich finished second in the MVP voting but impressively did all of that in 130 games, as his season was cut short due to a fractured kneecap.

Yelich didn't bounce back from that injury as well as hoped in 2020, and he never truly found his rhythm during the COVID-shortened season. In 58 games, Yelich hit a career-low .205 with 12 homers, 22 RBI, 39 runs and four stolen bases.

Despite Yelich's struggles to return to his 2018 and 2019 level of play, he is still a hugely important player for the Brewers who will be difficult to replace if he misses time.

Bill McKinney has been the main beneficiary in terms of earning more playing time in the outfield along with starters Avisail Garcia and Jackie Bradley Jr., and that should continue. 

Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich's ailing back continues to be a problem without a clear answer.

Manager Craig Counsell told reporters Saturday the team sent Yelich back to Milwaukee for an MRI because he's "unfortunately hit a bit of a plateau" in his comeback attempt.

The injury originally occurred during an April 11 game against the St. Louis Cardinals. Yelich was removed after his second at-bat with what was initially deemed as back soreness.

Milwaukee placed Yelich on the injured list April 17.

Yelich has mostly been able to avoid major injuries during his career, averaging 143 games from 2014 to 2019 before playing 58 of 60 possible games during the shortened 2020 campaign.

Milwaukee also suffers without Yelich considering his impact on the field. The 2018 MVP finished second in voting for the award in 2019, winning the National League batting title in each season.

After a down 2020, he has played well when healthy in 2021 with a .333 batting average and .459 on-base percentage in nine games.

Billy McKinney should continue to see action in left field, although the entire lineup will need to be productive with Yelich unavailable.

Milwaukee Brewers star Christian Yelich's streak on the sidelines will continue.

After missing four straight games with a back injury, Yelich was officially placed on the 10-day injured list Saturday. Brewers manager Craig Counsell had told reporters before the move that he hoped the star avoided a lengthy injury stint. He had also said Friday that Yelich was "making progress."

Since making his MLB debut with the Miami Marlins midway through the 2013 season, Yelich has been largely healthy. He's only missed more than 18 games twice in the previous eight years.

The 2018 National League MVP got off to a terrific start this season with a .333/.459/.367 slash line in the first nine games before his back flared up.

The Brewers don't boast a deep lineup, so losing their best hitter for any period puts more pressure on everyone around him.

However, Corbin Burnes and Brandon Woodruff are off to fantastic starts, giving the starting rotation an excellent 1-2 punch capable of shutting down opposing lineups.

With Yelich out of action, veteran utilityman Billy McKinney will see increased time in the outfield, as will Avisail Garcia.

Devin Williams parlayed a lights-out 2020 season into a National League Rookie of the Year award. With the Milwaukee Brewers tied for first place in the NL Central this year, the right-hander joined B/R for an AMA session Thursday.

Williams tackled a number of topics, including his impressive rookie season and the meaning of Jackie Robinson Day across MLB.

And for those who played MLB The Show 20, the 26-year-old reliever is well aware of how difficult it was to collect his 99-overall-rated card in the game's Diamond Dynasty mode.

The following is the full transcript from the AMA session.

@fitchkarma66: Which former MLB player had the biggest influence on you?

Pedro, I kind of grew up studying his game and how he attacked hitters.

@drugsandhugs: Are you going to help my fantasy team recover?

I’ll definitely try to. I’m trying to win games now.

@maloas23: Who was your biggest inspiration growing up?

I had a lot of good influences. My mom, my grandparents, I’m really close with all of them. People I always looked up to, so definitely a combo of those three.

@Steve_Perrault: What does Jackie Robinson Day mean to you?

It’s special to me because I wouldn't be here without him. He was the right person to do it at that time. His impact is still being felt today and it's nice to see we are finally all celebrating him across the league.

@realalexlarsen: Are you a fan of the idea of robot umps?

It’d be nice to get some extra calls but I think the human element has its place in the game. The umps are pretty spot on most of the time, they have pretty high percentages so we should just keep it as it is.

@GeauxSaints: How do you hold your changeup to get the movement on it like it has?

Just a circle change grip across the four seams. When I throw it, I try and throw it with the circle cutting across the front.

@LandonE: Have you ever wanted to be a starter or gave it much serious thought?

I like starting, I was a starter originally up until 2019. I like my role in the bullpen because you have to lock in for every game as opposed to sitting every four games.

@yankeek: If you could play with any former baseball player who would it be?

I think I have to go with Pedro. To watch him on his day-to-day routines. One of my favorite things to do is watch Woodruff throw. 

@avery13: Who’s the hardest batter you’ve had to face?

There's a lot of good ones. Yadi is up there, he spoils a lot of good pitches.

@SportFanBeast: What’s your favorite movie?

The Sandlot is up there for me. Interstellar. Shawshank Redemption.

@BizarreRidell: What were your hitting stats in high school?

I think I hit like .380 my senior year. I had some good stats in AA too, I think we should keep pitchers batting, it’s been a part of the game.

@uncennsoredsports: Was there a defining moment that made you want to pursue pro baseball?

Nothing in particular, I think it was just a combination of things. I've always loved sports. Baseball was always in my top 2 so i figured i might as well pursue it.

@rohang: What’s your advice to young players trying to make it to MLB?

There's always going to be adversity no matter who you are, it matters how you handle it though.

@donttesteddie: What’s your favorite hobby?

Playing video games after games, how I like to wind down.

@oneillkel: Do you play MLB The Show 20? Are you happy that you have a 99 overall card?

Yeah I do like The Show quite a bit, looking forward to the new game. I hadn’t even used that card, it’s too expensive! I played as the Brewers in Diamond Dynasty, but I never got to the 99 card.

@gosawks: What was it like when you first got the call to the Majors?

That was unbelievable. I called my mom and we both just kind of cried on the phone for a minute. We both know how long of a journey it was for me and her. There were so many road trips that she took me on. It was just as much of a journey for her as it was for me.

@ReasonablySober: How do you like Milwaukee?

I like the city, it reminds me of St. Louis but smaller. But it seems like it's got some pretty good food and there’s some decent places to shop when we are allowed to.

@thespider45: Who’s your favorite athlete?

LeBron’s been a big influence for me. I think the way he’s been able to maintain that level of greatest for 18 years along with everything else he does outside the game of basketball. His business and social justice work.

Rapid Fire Questions:

What’s it like giving up 1 earned run all season last year?

It was an amazing run I was able to go on. Kind of coming back to reality this year, sort of struggling and just reminding myself how difficult this game is.

What was it like getting ROY?

That was unbelievable honestly. I wasn't expecting it, but in my mind I thought I was deserving. It was an incredible honor to receive, just want to build on it.

Favorite sneakers?

Travis Scott low 1s. I don't have a ton but I've got a few pairs.

Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich is day-to-day after leaving Sunday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals early because of back soreness, manager Craig Counsell told reporters after his team's 9-3 victory. 

Craig Counsell says #Brewers sluggers Christian Yelich and Travis Shaw are both day-to-day. pic.twitter.com/hnAmVJTzfL

— FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin (@FanDuelSN_WI) April 11, 2021

Jackie Bradley Jr. replaced Yelich after he took his second at-bat of the game. Yelich went 1-for-2 with a run scored before exiting. Milwaukee ended the second inning up 7-1 over the Cardinals.

The 29-year-old, who is three years removed from the MVP nod he earned in his first season with the Brewers, has slashed .321/.457/.357 with one RBI through eight games for Milwaukee, which is 4-4. 

Yelich struggled mightily in 2020. Through 58 games, he hit just .205/.356/.430 with 22 RBI and 12 home runs, a year after he led the National League in batting average and on-base percentage while topping MLB in in slugging percentage.

Though he missed time with a fractured kneecap at the end of the 2019 season, the Thousand Oaks, California, native has proved largely durable throughout his career. He has never appeared in fewer than 126 games, a career low from 2015 when he dealt with various ailments, including back spasms and a knee bruise. 

If Yelich has to miss additional time, expect Bradley to continue to hold it down in left field.  

Longtime Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun suggested Monday that he may opt for retirement rather than attempting to play a 15th MLB season in 2021. 

According to the Associated Press (h/t ESPN), Braun said: "I'm strongly leaning in the direction of being done as an active player. But I think you can always push that decision back. I'm still young enough, still working out, still in shape. If something were to change, I might as well leave that door open as long as possible."

Braun, 37, spent all 14 of his MLB seasons with the Brewers, earning six All-Star selections as well as winning both the 2007 National League Rookie of the Year award in 2007 and the NL MVP award in 2011.

The five-time Silver Slugger award winner is coming off one of the worst seasons of his career. He hit a career-low .233 to go along with eight home runs and 26 RBI in 39 games during the COVID-19-shortened 2020 campaign.

Braun has been plagued by injuries in recent years, appearing in more than 140 games in a season just once since playing in 154 in 2012. That includes a back injury last year, which prevented him from playing in Milwaukee's first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

From 2007-12, Braun was unquestionably one of the best hitters in baseball. He was named an All-Star in five of those six seasons and averaged a .313 batting average with 34 home runs, 107 RBI, 102 runs scored and 21 stolen bases per season during that stretch.

In 2011, Braun hit a career-best .332 with 33 homers, 111 RBI, 109 runs and 33 steals en route to being named NL MVP.

It can be argued that he was even better the following season when he hit .319 with a career-high 41 home runs, as well as 112 RBI, 108 runs scored and 30 stolen bases en route to finishing second in the NL MVP voting to San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey.

Braun missed 101 games due to injury and suspension in the 2013 season and his production never fully recovered. He made a sixth and final All-Star team in 2015 when he hit .285 with 25 homers and 84 RBI and then hit .305 with 30 home runs and 91 RBI in 2016, but he was far from MVP status.

🚨Ryan Braun Home Run 🚨
🚨In the first inning 🚨#RyanBraunForever I #ThisIsMyCrew pic.twitter.com/VyceLnuH2E

— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) September 15, 2020

Since 2017, Braun's per season averages have dropped to a .267 batting average with 17 home runs, 54 RBI, 50 runs scored and nine stolen bases.

If Braun does decide to play again, he seemingly doesn't want it to be for any team other than the Brewers, saying: "I can't foresee a scenario in which I play for any other major league team."

Regardless of whether he plays again or not, Braun will go down as one of the all-time greats in Brewers history with a career-batting average of .296 to go along with 352 home runs, 1,154 RBI, 1,963 hits, 1,080 runs and 216 stolen bases.

Braun is first in team history in home runs and second in most of the other major offensive categories.

If not for a suspension due to a violation of MLB's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program in 2013, Braun could have been in line to receive heavy Hall of Fame consideration.

The Hall of Fame likely isn't a realistic landing spot for Braun any time soon, but there is no question that he enjoyed a highly productive career and played a big role in the Brewers remaining competitive throughout his career.