Chad Patrick's Dream Comes True: Right-Hander Secures Spot on Milwaukee Brewers' Opening-Day Roster

NEW YORK – Chad Patrick was scheduled to begin an extensive 25-hour journey from Phoenix back to his hometown of Indiana with a brief halt planned for Saturday when he got a message.

He was advised to wait patiently as there could be an update soon.

It has already been optioned for Class AAA Nashville On March 9, the right-handed pitcher had just completed his last game in Arizona and was anticipating starting for the second consecutive season with the Sounds.

Receive daily updates on the Packers throughout the season.

However, injuries had taken their toll on the team. Milwaukee Brewers In the days following, the team benefited from improved pitching depth, and Patrick performed well enough across his four Cactus League outings that he suddenly found himself in contention to join the squad heading north for their season opener against the. New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium.

The next day, as I sat in the waiting room wondering whether things were really moving forward or not, I received a message from Tony (Migliaccio, the club’s longstanding director of clubhouse operations). It read, ‘Could you come locate me so we could exchange your car details? We’re arranging shipment.’ At that moment, I thought to myself, ‘Uh oh, this is actually happening,’" Patrick recounted. After providing him with my details, I stepped outside for some stretching when suddenly I was greeted by one of those elongated golf carts used to transport people around."

It was quite an impressive moment. Everyone was applauding for me, and I somewhat realized it then.

Manager and local humorist Pat Murphy shared the story during Wednesday’s morning session before his squad began practice in The Bronx.

Murphy stated, "We went and fetched him. Afterward, we pulled up chairs and informed him, 'Would we have gone through the trouble of bringing you here on a stretcher if there was another cause?'"

Swap you, let you go or add you to the team – your choice.

Patrick, turning 27 on August 14, performed impressively for Nashville during the previous season, earning his promotion after achieving a remarkable feat; he became the first pitcher since 1976 to secure the Triple Crown in Class AAA, boasting a stellar record of 14 wins against just one loss, an earned run average (ERA) of 2.90, and 145 strikeouts across 26 games played (with 24 as starting pitches).

It never came .

However, Milwaukee’s choice to add him to its 40-man roster in November alongside fellow right-handed pitcher Logan Henderson indicated that the organization had future plans for him.

Now, following a spring where he posted a 5.40 ERA, 1.68 WHIP, and recorded 10 strikeouts across 8 ⅓ innings in four outings, Patrick enters into an adaptable position with the Brewers. He might be called upon to pitch for multiple innings from the bullpen, possibly even start one or two games.

"It’s amazing; this is such an incredible experience that I’m soaking up daily,” stated Patrick, who was acquired from the Athletics in exchange for infielder Abraham Toro back in November 2023. “The travel aspect is somewhat different but exciting too. Plus, simply arriving here and stepping onto the field adds to it all.”

When Yankees come to mind, traditional baseball comes along with them.

Currently, what we know about Milwaukee’s pitching rotation is that Freddy Peralta will start on Thursday, followed by Nestor Cortes on Saturday, and Aaron Civale on Sunday. Pitchers Tobias Myers (oblique strain), Aaron Ashby (oblique issue), and DL Hall (lat injury) are currently injured. Additionally, Brandon Woodruff is expected to be out for roughly another month before he can return to pitch at the major league level.

Meanwhile, José Quintana isn't yet ready for his initial appearance with the Brewers, so they will look into their choices regarding him (he retains two minor-league options). They aim to integrate him back as quickly as possible once he is prepared.

Tyler Alexander, Elvin Rodríguez, and Rule 5 draft selection Connor Thomas offer Murphy additional options.

Murphy commented about Patrick saying, “This young player earned his spot on the team with his pitching.” He continued, “Since our best thirteen pitchers won’t be joining us in New York, we have to rely on others for support, and this guy deserves it. He performed impressively during spring training. Plus, he offers an extended relief option.”

Patrick mentioned that his dad, Dan, and mom, Jackie, will be present this weekend along with some various other relatives and pals.

It will be quite a shift compared to his time at Hebron High School in Indiana, which is just about a 25-minute drive southeast of Gary via Interstate 65.

“I often reminisce about my days in high school or as a young child,” stated Patrick, who asked for and was granted jersey number 39, which was previously worn by Corbin Burnes in 2023. Patrick greatly admires how Burnes plays and, similar to the 2021 National League Cy Young Award recipient, depends significantly on a cutter pitch.

I completed my studies alongside 81 others at a small high school, and reflecting on your own path can bring to mind how you began this journey, those who brought you here, and all the individuals who supported you throughout—things of that nature.

"Just, very fulfilling."

The Brewers aren't required to finalize their roster until early Thursday afternoon before the opening game.

However, a few other athletes who defied the odds managed to secure their spots in the final 26-player roster. first baseman Jake Bauers , who achieved a batting average of .263 along with a 1.038 OPS, scoring three home runs and driving in nine runs as a non-roster player, and outfielder-second baseman Isaac Collins, who showed unexpected power and adeptness at hitting against left-handed pitchers during his time in camp.

The article initially appeared in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The anticipation has ended: Right-handed pitcher Chad Patrick secures a spot on the Milwaukee Brewers' opening-day roster.