"Mears had a 5.20 ERA over 107 1/3 career innings heading into the 2025 season, including a 7.30 ERA in 12 1/3 frames for Milwaukee after the Brewers acquired him from the Rockies prior to the 2024 trade deadline. In the latest example of the Brewers getting results from an unheralded pitcher, Mears has stepped up as a reliable member of the bullpen this year, posting a 3.42 ERA over 52 2/3 frames."
"The numbers would look even better if Mears hadn't allowed three runs in his last game, as the righty was hit hard over an inning of work in the Brewers' 10-8 loss to the Phillies on September 1. It is fair to assume that Mears' bad back played in a role in that rough outing, and the injury may have been lingering for a while, as Brew Crew manager Pat Murphy first mentioned that Mears was dealing with back problems in late July."
Mears was placed on the 15-day injured list retroactive to September 2 with back tightness, and right-hander Carlos Rodriguez was called up from Triple-A Nashville to fill his bullpen spot. Mears entered 2025 with a 5.20 career ERA and had struggled in a small Milwaukee sample after being acquired in 2024, but he has been effective this year with a 3.42 ERA over 52 2/3 innings. Mears pairs an excellent 5.0% walk rate and high chase rate driven by an outstanding slider with a subpar 21.3% strikeout rate and significant hard contact mitigated by a .225 BABIP. The back injury likely contributed to a rough outing on September 1, and while a club official said he may return after a minimal 15-day absence, back injuries remain unpredictable. Mears is the fifth Brewers reliever to hit the IL recently amid multiple bullpen injuries, and Grant Anderson is slated to begin a Triple-A rehab assignment.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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