The Atlanta Braves and Milwaukee Brewers will both be testing out new pitchers in their Wednesday afternoon matchup. Matt Garza was a big offseason signing for the Brewers as the team intends for him to anchor their starting rotation. Aaron Harang was an emergency signing for the Braves and after just a few weeks of being with the team will make his first start.
Garza was signed for stability. While Yovani Gallardo, Kyle Lohse and Wily Peralta are guaranteed starters that all fared well last season, Garza was viewed as the final piece to the rotational puzzle. The former ALCS MVP pitcher signed a four-year, $50 million contract after going 10-6 with a 3.82 ERA last year. His spring was ugly. He gave up 15 earned runs in just over 15 innings while his opponents hit .403 off him. The Brewers are hoping he can return to the pitcher they thought they were signing now that the season has started.
Harang was not as sought after as Garza. The Braves only signed the pitcher after Kris Medlen and Brandon Beachy suffered season-ending injuries, Mike Minor was placed on the disabled list along with Gavin Floyd. Their rotation was severely lacking and Harang was needed to fill a roster spot. Atlanta is the pitcher's sixth team in 12 months.
Harang earned a starting spot after veteran Freddy Garcia was released. The move was surprising considering Harang posted the fourth-highest ERA last season among 170 pitchers. So far, the Braves gambles have paid off. The team moved Alex Wood into a starting spot and he repaid the team by going seven innings and getting the team a win on Tuesday night. He gave up just four hits and one home run.
Freddie Freeman could take the spotlight in this matchup. The first baseman hit two home runs in the win on Tuesday and is 4 for 8 against Garza along with a home run. The pitcher has a 6.43 ERA in his career starts against Atlanta.
