Kyle Harrison charged with eight runs in loss

It’s a massive relief that Harrison isn’t dealing with anything arm-related following a one-month absence due to a forearm issue. It appears that his early departure was for precautionary reasons after he experienced cramping in both of his calves while warming up for the sixth inning. The 24-year-old southpaw was in the middle of a dominant performance during his return from the injured list, allowing just two baserunners over five shutout innings while recording his fourth double-digit strikeout effort of the season. He struck out eight consecutive batters prior to his early exit. He’s slated to take the ball against the Padres his next time out on Tuesday.

Harrison gets the ball for Wednesday’s showdown against the Pirates following a one-month absence due to forearm tightness. The 24-year-old southpaw was a prominent breakout candidate in the first half, registering a sparkling 3.01 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 101/20 K/BB ratio across 83 2/3 innings over 17 starts, delivering top-20 fantasy value among starting pitchers in the process. He draws a favorable matchup in his return from the injured list and shouldn’t have a ton of workload restrictions over the final two months.

That series starts begins Monday and goes through Thursday. Harrison pitched Thursday in a strong rehab start for High-A Wisconsin, so a return Wednesday seems the most likely landing spot for the 24-year-old. Harrison had scuffled in his previous few outings before his forearm injury, but his ability to miss bats makes him certainly worth consideration for the remaining two months.

Harrison, who has been on the injured list since July 11th, allowed just one hit, walked three, and struck out five. We don’t have Statcast readings from High-A affiliates, so we don’t know the velocity and shape of his pitches, but he looked healthy and threw 68 total pitches. The Brewers have said his next start will be in the big leagues at some point next week. Harrison was electric to begin the season before posting a 5.34 ERA across 32 innings in his final seven starts. Injury may have played a role in that, but we generally prefer to keep a starter on the bench for their first start after coming off the IL anyway.

Harrison is aiming for roughly 75 pitches in his first rehab outing after hitting the injured list with forearm tightness prior to the All-Star break. The 24-year-old southpaw delivered top-20 fantasy value at the position during a breakthrough first half where he posted a stellar 3.01 ERA and 101/20 K/BB ratio across 83 2/3 innings. The hope is that he’ll be ready to return to Milwaukee’s rotation in early August.

That would seem to put him in line to rejoin the Brewers rotation on Aug. 6. Harrison last pitched on July 8 before going on the IL with forearm tightness.

Harrison underwent a precautionary MRI recently that came back clean for any structural issues. The last hurdle for him to clear before returning from the injured list will be to face live hitters. He’s eligible to return from the injured list on Friday, though it may be optimistic to expect him back the first day that he’s eligible.

Arnold said the Brewers wouldn’t rush Harrison back. At this point, however, it doesn’t seem like the left-hander is in store for a lengthy absence.

Harrison heads to the injured list after revealing earlier this week that he’s been pitching through soreness on the outside of his elbow for the past couple weeks, an issue that limited him to just four innings against the Cardinals in his most recent start. The immediate concern is whether the issue extends beyond inflammation and points to something more serious that could sideline him for an extended period. The 24-year-old emerging fantasy ace had put together a stellar first half, establishing himself as a borderline top-20 starter with a pristine 3.01 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 101/20 K/BB ratio across 83 2/3 innings over 17 starts. There should be additional clarity on his status in the coming days.

Harrison told reporters afterwards that he’s been pitching through soreness on the outside of his elbow for a couple weeks, which is why he was limited to just four innings in this one. It doesn’t sound like a significant concern. He should benefit from some extra rest during the All-Star break. His final first-half outing got off to a weird start when Masyn Winn laced a line drive to right field that hit the recently promoted Luis Lara in the face. It would’ve been a tough play anyway and the sun was blindingly bright, but it set the table for two Cardinals runs that frame. From there, his command was iffy across the board. Too many of his fastballs sat in the middle of the plate rather than at the letters and it alone was responsible for seven hard-hit balls. Similarly, he spiked a good chunk of his slurves and they were easy to lay off of in two-strike counts. In the end, it was another uneven start for Harrison whose ERA climbed over three for the first time since late April. Nevertheless, he still put together an excellent first half with a 3.01 ERA, 101 strikeouts, and just 20 walks across 83 2/3 innings.