Reds vs. Brewers: Pitching preview, prediction, and more

The bottom half of the Brewers’ batting order has struggled.

Entering play Sunday, the Milwaukee Brewers’ batting average of .213 is the worst in the National League by a wide margin. When combined with a second-worst .303 on-base percentage rate, it’s almost amazing the Brewers share the lead atop the NL Central standings.

While there’s certainly more than enough blame to go around regarding the Beer Makers’ lack of offensive production, the bottom half of the Milwaukee lineup has been particularly dreadful. Milwaukee hitters occupying the five through eight positions are hitting .192 or worse.

Centerfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. has struggled mightily in his debut season in Milwaukee. Slashing an anemic .156/.228/.274, Bradley Jr. has hit in the five spot or lower in the order 41 times this season and for obviously good reason. His embarrassing 38 OPS+ mark is the lowest among all qualified NL hitters.

However, help seems to be on the way for the back half of manager Craig Counsell’s lineup card. Since being acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays on May 21st, shortstop Willy Adames has been everything the Brewers hoped.

Through his first 20 games in a Milwaukee uniform, the 25-year-old Adames is slashing .292/.370/.486 with three homers and 14 RBIs. It’s no coincidence the Brewers record took off once Adames arrived in town.

Milwaukee general manager Matt Arnold deserves praise for his willingness to act sooner rather than later to address their shortstop situation. Adames is the third starting shortstop the club has deployed at the position this season alone.

Four-year starter Orlando Arcia was sent packing to Atlanta the first week of the season after collecting just one hit in his first 11 at-bats. Even though 24-year-old Luis Urias did an adequate job replacing Arcia, the Milwaukee front office wasted no time acquiring a proven starter in Adames who has immediately paid dividends hitting fifth or lower in the lineup 13 times since his arrival.