MILWAUKEE — The Rangers may be leaving town, but their veteran right-handed doctor will be staying back.
The Brewers have announced the acquisition of George “Doc” Medich, adding an experienced arm for the pennant race. Medich, 33, will take the spot vacated by Randy Lerch in the rotation, since demoted to the bullpen. The Brewers sent the Rangers cash in return.
If you’re looking for a quick fix, you may be disappointed. Medich is 7-11 this season with a 5.06 ERA. In fact, he was the starting pitcher in the series opener against the Brewers. He took the loss, allowing six runs on eight hits in five innings.
That said, Medich has history as an effective pitcher. He is 119-101 with a 3.74 ERA for his career, a career that he previously announced would end after this season to pursue a career in medicine. Traded to a team in a pennant race, however, Medich may reconsider.
“I’m happy,” Doc said about the trade. “I’m back in a pennant race after being out of it all year. And a chance to pitch on a team with hitting like them, that’s heaven for a pitcher.”
And really, maybe Medich lost his joy to pitch while on the mound for the 43-66 Rangers. Pitching in a winning atmosphere, knowing that he doesn’t have to be perfect to win, may be just what he needs.
The Brewers think so, and they see him as an upgrade as their new fifth starter. “I’m not knocking this staff,” manager Harvey Kuenn said diplomatically, “I think they are doing a great job. I just felt we could use another starter. He became available and we grabbed him.”
Medich is expected to make his Brewers debut with a start on August 15 against the Blue Jays.