Brewers' jack-of-all-trades Jace Peterson finally gets a day off
Tom Haudricourt
Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell noted before the game that he was finally able to give Jace Peterson a day off and then laughed at how crazy that sounded. Usually, finding rest is not difficult for a utility player.
But that’s how important Peterson has become in filling holes when other players are out with injuries or just need a day off. The Brewers were 14 games into a stretch of 16 in a row without an off day, and Peterson played in every one of them, moving around from third base to second base to right field to left field over that stretch.
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With rightfielder Avisaíl García back in the starting lineup after missing four games with assorted aches and pains, Counsell had all the positions filled that Peterson usually filled in.
“Frankly, getting Jace Peterson a day off is probably for me the best part of getting ‘Avi’ back, because he deserves a day off right now,” Counsell said. “He’s pumped it pretty good on this stretch right here. He’s been playing hard and doing a lot of good things.
“It’s been third base, second base, first base, left field, right field. He starts at five positions. Right there, that’s a valuable player.”
Beyond being versatile, Peterson, 31, has been very productive. Despite a 3-for-16 start to the home stand, he was batting .272 with five home runs, 30 RBI, nine steals, .387 OBP and .795 OPS in 248 plate appearances.
Counsell said the quality of Peterson’s at-bats has improved in his two seasons with the Brewers by working hard with hitting coach Andy Haines.
“Jace has always had some good plate discipline,” Counsell said. “Squaring the ball up was kind of the next step for him. And then, experience. He’s at a great stage of his career where it’s time to make some adjustments and he’s open to them.
“He’s done a nice job and he’s turned into a tough out for other teams. Just having some conversations with other teams, he’s a tough out and that’s a really good thing to have in your lineup.”