MLB Milwaukee Brewers

Jim Henderson Will Be Most Important Piece To Milwaukee Brewers’ 2015 Bullpen

Fresh Videos

By @schwick26_pete

Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Without Ryan Braun at full strength, the Milwaukee Brewers‘ lineup collapsed down the stretch in 2014. When they needed a big hit, Braun failed all too often. While his thumb returning to full strength for 2015 will be a key for the offense, Jim Henderson‘s return to health in the Brewers’ bullpen will be just as vital.

Last season, Henderson was not right from day one. He not only struggled through Spring Training, allowing six runs in nine innings, but he also lost velocity and the closer’s role before the season even began. He went from being one of the most trusted pieces in the entire bullpen, to a pitcher who could not be used. In 14 appearances, Henderson allowed three home runs, nine earned runs, a FIP of 4.63 and an ERA of over seven. He was nowhere near his 2013 form.

But after missing more than half a season rehabbing and recovering from shoulder surgery, Henderson will look to get back to his dominant 2013 ways. During that season, the 32-year-old journeyman went 5-5 with a 2.70 ERA and 28 saves. He was especially effective against right-handed hitters, who batted just .165 against him in 115 at-bats. After taking over the closer’s role for the ineffective John Axford and the traded Francisco Rodriguez, Henderson was lights out.

One of the biggest keys to the Brewers’ offseason has been making their bullpen stronger. If Henderson can regain that 2013 form, the bullpen will be very tough to beat. With pitchers like Will Smith and Jeremy Jefress already placed into late inning roles, Henderson can give them another hard-throwing late inning option and an arm who can easily step in and close should Jonathan Broxton struggle. Everybody is waiting for a big move to shake up the bullpen, but Henderson’s return could be just what the Brewers need to make their bullpen unbeatable.

Pete Schwichtenberg is a Milwaukee Brewers writer for Rantsports. Follow @schwick26_pete, Like him on Facebook, or Add him to your Google Network.

Share Tweet
Trending Now on