Despite his stellar performance this season, Logan Henderson is being sent down to Triple-A Nashville, the Milwaukee Brewers announced Monday. This surprising decision came as the team reinstated pitcher DL Hall from the 60-day injured list ahead of their afternoon matchup against the Boston Red Sox.
Henderson has been a standout in Milwaukee’s rotation, especially during a season plagued by injuries. In his first four major league starts, he has achieved a flawless 3-0 record with an exceptional 1.71 ERA. The 23-year-old right-hander made history by becoming the first Brewers pitcher to win his first three MLB games and the first in modern MLB history to start a career with three straight wins while striking out at least seven batters in each of those appearances. His strikeout rate of 12.4 per nine innings currently leads the Brewers’ rotation.
Manager Pat Murphy praised Henderson’s performance, calling him “so good,” but emphasized that the decision to option him was influenced by the imminent return of other key starters. Murphy explained that young pitchers like Henderson also need rest, pointing out, “They’re just not machines.” He described the move as a strategic effort to manage workloads, particularly with the expected returns of José Quintana and Brandon Woodruff. Quintana has been rehabbing from a left shoulder issue, while Woodruff has not pitched in the majors since September 2023 due to significant shoulder surgery. Though Woodruff was close to rejoining the rotation earlier in May, his comeback was delayed by ankle tendinitis.
Murphy stressed the importance of maintaining a full rotation and managing pitcher health, saying, “We need to preserve as many of these guys as we can.” Sending Henderson to the minors ensures he continues to pitch regularly and stays prepared for future call-ups. “If they are not going to be in the major league rotation,” Murphy noted, “then make sure they go down and get their pitches in.”
Henderson made a strong debut on April 20 against the Oakland Athletics, allowing just one run and three hits over six innings while striking out nine. In his most recent outing on Sunday against the Pirates, he allowed one run and five hits over five innings, adding six strikeouts. His consistency placed him alongside elite company—he is just the second pitcher since 1901 to strike out at least six batters and allow no more than two runs in each of his first four MLB starts.
Murphy acknowledged Henderson wasn’t at his sharpest in his latest start but commended his maturity. The pitcher took the news of his demotion with understanding and vowed to continue working hard. “The kid’s a delight to have around,” Murphy added. He also revealed that Henderson is likely on an innings limit this season due to past injuries, noting, “There’s concern. He’s had injury history.”
DL Hall, who replaces Henderson on the roster, had been out since spring training with a left lat strain. Now healthy, Hall expressed his eagerness to return, saying, “With the past two years having the injury bug, I’m itching every day to get back on the field.”
While Henderson’s trip to the minors is temporary, it reflects the team’s long-term focus on health, depth, and postseason ambitions.
