MILWAUKEE — In his first major league appearance after nearly four months on the injured list, Milwaukee’s DL Hall sparked optimism about his potential contribution to the Brewers’ playoff ambitions as they lead the NL Central.
The left-handed pitcher recorded a career-high nine strikeouts over 4⅔ innings during the Brewers’ 4-3 defeat against the Cincinnati Reds. This was Hall’s first MLB game since April 20, following his acquisition in the trade that sent 2021 NL Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes to the Baltimore Orioles.
“Overall, I felt it was a positive step,” Hall commented.
Hall was part of the deal that included third baseman Joey Ortiz and a competitive balance draft pick for 2024. While Ortiz has been performing well with a .758 OPS as the Brewers’ regular third baseman, Hall has faced challenges in his rookie season due to injuries.
Approaching his 26th birthday on September 19, Hall had a record of 0-1 with a 7.71 ERA in four appearances before injuring his left knee while fielding a bunt on April 20, which led to his placement on the injured list the following day.
His recovery was complicated by several setbacks, including aggravating his knee during a rehab outing in May and suffering a line drive to his left forearm while pitching for Triple-A Nashville last month.
Now back on the mound, Hall offers versatility, capable of starting or relieving. This season, he has a record of 0-0 with a 2.00 ERA over 31⅓ innings in Nashville. Last year with Baltimore, he achieved a 3.26 ERA and struck out 23 batters in 19⅓ innings across 18 relief appearances, including six strikeouts in 3⅓ scoreless innings during the Orioles’ AL Division Series against Texas.
Brewers manager Pat Murphy noted that Hall still has minor league options available, which could be advantageous as the team prepares for the return of relievers Bryan Hudson and Trevor Megill from the injured list. Hudson last pitched for Milwaukee on July 23 and is nearing a comeback from a left oblique strain.
In other team news, the Brewers placed left-hander H. Milner on the 15-day injured list due to a left shoulder impingement and moved right-hander J. Pes to the 60-day injured list, with Milner’s placement being retroactive to Friday.
“I’m incredibly thankful to be back,” Hall expressed. “It felt like this moment would never arrive after everything that happened during my rehab. The anticipation of experiencing the feeling I had today kept me motivated. I was eager to return, and I feel fortunate to have the opportunity.”
Although Hall allowed three runs and five hits with three walks on Sunday, his performance was better than those statistics indicate.
Two of the runs scored against him resulted from a soft liner by Santiago Espinal that landed in shallow center field with the bases loaded and two outs in the fourth inning. The other run came from a home run by Tyler Stephenson in the fifth inning.
“I thought he pitched well,” said Brewers manager Pat Murphy. “It was really encouraging; in my opinion, it was the best he’s thrown all year. He deserved better results.”
Hall noted that he feels significantly better now compared to April, prior to his injury.
“I’d say there’s a considerable difference in how I feel while moving on the mound,” Hall stated. “This impacts all my pitches, not just the velocity of my fastball, but how everything else functions when my arm speed is right and my body is moving correctly.”
This marked only Hall’s sixth career start, but he demonstrated last year that he can perform in the postseason. He also has the flexibility to start or come in as a reliever.
Last season, Hall recorded a 3-0 record with a 3.26 ERA and 23 strikeouts over 19⅓ innings in 18 relief appearances with Baltimore. He struck out six batters in 3⅓ scoreless innings during the Orioles’ AL Division Series against Texas.
Murphy also mentioned that Hall still has options in the minor leagues, which could be useful as the Brewers adjust their pitching staff with the expected return of relievers Bryan Hudson and Trevor Megill. Hudson last pitched for the Brewers on July 23 and is nearing a comeback from a left oblique injury.
In other updates on Sunday, the Brewers placed left-hander Hoby Milner on the 15-day injured list due to a left shoulder impingement and moved right-hander Enoli Paredes to the 60-day injured list. Milner’s placement is retroactive to Friday.
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