Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Robert Gasser throws against the San Francisco Giants during the first ... [+]
The time has finally come for Robert Gasser.
Gasser, the Milwaukee Brewers' top pitching prospect is expected to make his major league debut Friday night against the St. Louis Cardinals at American Family Field.
"We told (Gasser) in spring training, even before the injury, that you're going to pitch in the major leagues, so prepare for your debut," Brewers manager Pat Murphy said Thursday ahead of a 7-1 victory over the Cardinals.
Gasser's debut comes nearly two years after he was acquired by Milwaukee as part of the deal that sent closer Josh Hader to the Padres in July 2022. He had gone 4-9 with a 4.18 ERA in 18 starts for San Diego's High-A affiliate at the time of the trade but the Brewers promoted him to Double-Biloxi where he went 1-1 with a 2.21 ERA in four starts before earning a promotion to Triple-A Nashville, where he went 2-2 with a 4.44 ERA in five starts to close out the season.
He was named the Brewers Co-Minor League Pitcher of the year in 2023 after going 9-1 with a 3.79 ERA in 26 appearances (25 starts) for Nashville. Gasser might have had a chance to make the Opening Day roster this season had bone spurs in his throwing elbow not sidelined him during the final days of Spring Training.
Gasser opened the season on the injured list but made his debut with Nashville on April 24 and compiled an 0-1 record and 5.25 ERA in three starts while striking out 17 batters over 12 innings.
"They were happy with how I was in spring, what I was bringing to the table," Gasser said. "It was more so just making sure I was sharp when I got back and getting my pitch counts up."
The Brewers' starting rotation was already a work in progress heading into the season but has become a makeshift operation thanks to a rash of injuries, including a season-ending UCL tear for veteran left-hander Wade Miley.
Freddy Peralta's decision to drop his appeal of a five-game suspension led to another opening, setting the stage for Gasser to get his shot.
“Being in Triple-A, you’re always one step away, one call away,” Gasser said. “I was throwing the ball well last year and felt really good this spring and I knew they had a lot of faith in me.”
