Johnny

Hellweg

Arguably the team’s top pitching prospect, the 6-foot-9 Hellweg moved from the bullpen to the rotation in 2011 and took to it well. He’s made only 17 minor league starts, though, and certainly needs more seasoning.

Hellweg, 23, began this season as a reliever, but really took off after being given a rotation spot in June, posting a 2.12 ERA and 80/28 K/BB ratio over 14 starts. He should appear as a top-ten Angels’ prospect in most publications this winter.

Hellweg was a 16th round selection of the Angels in the 2008 draft. In 21 starts with Double-A Arkansas this season, he compiled a 5-10 record, 3.38 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 88/60 K/BB ratio. As is the case with Pena, he’s considered close to big league ready, and could see some time in the Brewers rotation as soon as this season.

Hellweg, 23, was acquired from the Angels late last month in the Zack Greinke deal. He has logged 129 1/3 innings this season after throwing just 89 1/3 innings last year, so the Brewers are just being cautious. He will only pitch in relief the rest of the way once activated.

Acquired from the Angels in the Zack Greinke deal, Hellweg posted a 3.29 ERA over 139 2/3 frames at the Double-A level this season. He has the stuff to be a mid-rotation starter if he can work out his control issues.

Hellweg hasn’t started a game since June 11, but it’s not injury-related. The 24-year-old right-hander has a 3.06 ERA and 48/44 K/BB ratio in 70 2/3 innings over 13 starts this season in Triple-A. Watching his innings now could provide the Brewers with a chance to give him an extended look later this summer.

Hellweg was acquired from the Angels last season in the Zack Greinke trade. He has worked as both a starter and reliever in the minor leagues, but the Brewers would only use him out of the bullpen if he were to make the Opening Day roster. If not, he’ll serve as a starter at Triple-A.

Hellweg allowed eight hits (including a two-run homer to Shin-Soo Choo) and one walk while striking out just one batter. The rookie right-hander now owns an ugly 8.31 ERA and 5/17 K/BB ratio over 21 2/3 innings in the majors. He’s not fantasy relevant.

Hellweg left with the lead, but the bullpen couldn’t hold it. He gave up seven hits and five walks while striking out just one batter, so he was far from effective. The 24-year-old rookie has a brutal 7.43 ERA and 6/22 K/BB ratio over 26 2/3 innings in the majors this season and shouldn’t be trusted in any fantasy league right now.

It wasn’t a lights-out effort, but the Milwaukee offense provided five runs and Hellweg came away with his first career major league victory. The 24-year-old right-hander will carry an 8.64 ERA and 2.34 WHIP into his next scheduled start at home against the Reds.