Kyle Harrison strikes out five in no-decision

Harrison was lights out in Milwaukee on Tuesday, holding the Mariners scoreless over five innings. He scattered two hits and two walks, tossing 49 of 79 pitches for strikes and collecting eight strikeouts. The 25-year-old left-hander will take an outstanding 2.84 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, and a 122/26 K/BB ratio across 98 1/3 innings into a start against the Mets in New York next Tuesday.

We had a feeling this would happen. Harrison gave up five runs in the second inning after Jihwan Bae missed the catch at second base on what would have been a 5-4 double play and potentially could have been a 5-4-3 triple play. While throwing miscues on double plays don’t result in errors (“the double play can’t be assumed”), missed catches that would have completed double plays can still be errors, and this one seemed to fit the bill. As a result of the change, Harrison’s ERA drops from 3.47 back down to 2.99.

We might get a change here, as all five of the runs from the second inning could have been unearned after Jihwan Bae fumbled a throw at second base. However, no error was ruled initially. Harrison went on to give up three homers, including a grand slam in that second inning. It might have been a considerably different outing if not for the miscue, but as is, Harrison drops to 9-3 with a 3.47 ERA. He’ll face the Mariners next Tuesday.

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.