MILWAUKEE – The Milwaukee Brewers have announced a significant addition to their pitching staff, signing right-handed pitcher Joe Ross to a one-year contract. The announcement came from Matt Arnold, the team’s Senior Vice President and General Manager. Following this acquisition, the Brewers’ 40-man roster now stands at 38 players.
Ross, 30, has spent the entirety of his six-year Major League career with the Washington Nationals, spanning from 2015 to 2019 and in 2021. During his tenure with the Nationals, he accumulated a record of 26-28 with a 4.26 ERA in 98 games, 76 of which he started. Ross played a pivotal role in the Nationals’ squad, contributing to their 2019 World Series championship victory.
His most recent Major League appearance was on August 10, 2021, in a game against New York-NL, where he pitched in relief. His last start was against Philadelphia on August 5, 2021. Ross’s career has been marked by challenges, including undergoing “Tommy John” surgery in June 2022, performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache. This was the second time he underwent this procedure, with the first being in 2017. Despite these setbacks, Ross made a comeback last season, participating in 8 games (7 as a starter) within the San Francisco Giants’ farm system.
Ross’s journey to the Major Leagues began when he was selected by the San Diego Padres in the first round (25th overall) of the 2011 First-Year Player Draft, straight out of Bishop O’Dowd High School in Oakland, California. He was later traded to Washington in a complex three-team, 11-player deal that also involved Tampa Bay on December 18, 2014. Before joining the Brewers, Ross signed as a free agent with the San Francisco Giants on January 20 last year as a non-roster invitee.
The Brewers’ acquisition of Joe Ross reflects their commitment to bolstering their pitching options. Ross’s experience, particularly in high-stakes games, will be invaluable to the Milwaukee Brewers as they look to fortify their rotation for the upcoming season. His resilience in overcoming injuries and his ability to perform in both starting and relief roles make him a versatile and strategic addition to the Brewers’ roster.
