MLB Playoffs 2017: 5 reasons Milwaukee Brewers will make it

PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 19: Ryan Braun #8 of the Milwaukee Brewers celebrates with Orlando Arcia #3 after the final out in the Milwaukee Brewers 1-0 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on September 19, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /

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MILWAUKEE, WI – AUGUST 31: Zach Davies #27 of the Milwaukee Brewers pitches against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at Miller Park on August 31, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images) /

2. Davies and Anderson carry the load

Losing Jimmy Nelson to a season-ending shoulder injury is a huge blow to the Brewers playoff hopes, but it’s far from a death knell. Milwaukee still has two young studs in Chase Anderson and Zach Davies to carry them to the finish line. Davies leads the majors with 17 wins and is 7-5 in the second half with a 2.71 ERA. Anderson has been even better in the second half. He is 5-1 with a 2.39 ERA in seven starts since returning from the DL in August.

Davies has regressed slightly so far in September, but he was great in July and August and has an unflappable makeup on the mound. The young right-hander has one of the best changeups in baseball and exceptional command. He does not strike many hitters out, but will not beat himself with walks.

Anderson is one of the best breakout stories of 2017. He had gone 24-24 with a 4.26 ERA his first three years in the league and was settling in as a capable number-four starter. Now 29, he looks like a classic late bloomer who found success when given a chance. His command has improved this year and his strikeouts are up. Anderson has held opponents to a .221/.289/.362 line on the year.

Davies and Anderson are also joined in the rotation by rookie left-hander Brent Suter who is getting his first real shot in the big leagues at the age of 27. Suter is another soft-tosser who succeeds by keeping the ball on the ground.

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