During the recent off-season, the Milwaukee Brewers inked a Major League contract with starting pitcher Joe Ross, marking a reunion with Pat Murphy. Murphy, now the Brewers’ manager in his inaugural season, had previously coached Ross back in 2012 when he played for the Class A Eugene Emeralds.
Ross’s professional baseball journey has been marked by highs and lows. His initial MLB years with the Washington Nationals were promising, boasting ERA figures around 3.50. However, subsequent injuries necessitating surgery took a toll on his career. In 2017, he underwent his first elbow surgery, making only three starts the following year. In 2021, a second surgery limited him to just one appearance in the minor leagues in 2022. The entirety of 2023 saw him outside a big league roster, spending the year in the San Francisco Giants organization.
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This off-season, Ross reports a normal and healthy training period. Securing a $1.75 million Major League contract, he is determined to make a comeback to the highest level of competition.
Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Joe Ross makes a bold claim for his 2024 season goals.
According to Adam McCalvy, the Brewers beat reporter, Joe Ross is not just aiming for a comeback in 2024; rather, he is determined to return to the highest level of performance. His most impressive statistical performance occurred during his initial 181 major league innings (2015-2016), where he recorded a 3.52 ERA across 35 games and 32 starts.
Expressing his ambition, Ross stated, “I don’t want to settle for just being back. I want to be back at the highest level.”
As a member of the Brewers, Ross has the opportunity to secure a spot in the starting rotation. Although Milwaukee has Burnes, Peralta, and Miley as confirmed starters, players like Rea, Ashby, and Junk, along with Ross, are expected to compete for a rotation position.
Ross emphasized his competitive mindset, stating, “I feel like every year, in my mind, I’m competing for a spot, whether my spot is secured or not. I don’t see myself taking it easy this Spring Training.”
The upcoming spring training will be crucial to observe Ross’s performance as pitchers and catchers are set to report in a little over a month, with games starting in late February during the Cactus League. Ross will be a player worth monitoring during these games.
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