Back in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the Milwaukee Brewers were known for their power-hitting lineups. Sluggers like Geoff Jenkins, Jeromy Burnitz, Richie Sexson, Prince Fielder, and Ryan Braun wowed fans with towering shots and big home run totals year after year.

Unfortunately, the Brewers did not enjoy many winning seasons during that time because of their woeful pitching staffs. In recent years, though, high quality starting and relief pitching has become the norm in Milwaukee. And, unsurprisingly, they have enjoyed many winning seasons as a result.

Part of the reason why the Brewers have become such a great pitching team is their ability to draft, develop, and/or acquire good quality arms. Back in 2021, they had one particular reliever start his Major League career in a memorable way.

Jake Cousins Could Not Stay Healthy After Great Start for the Milwaukee Brewers

Former Brewers pitcher Jake Cousins was originally drafted by the Washington Nationals in the 20th round of the 2017 amateur draft. In 2019, the Brewers purchased his contract and added him to their minor league system.

In 2021, Cousins was called up by Milwaukee in June to make his Major League debut. He started his career by not allowing any earned runs in his first 16 games, becoming just the 10th player in history to do so.

Appearing in 30 games as a rookie that year, Cousins had a 1-0 record and 2.70 ERA. He was nearly just as good in 2022, posting a 2-1 record and 2.70 ERA in 12 games. Unfortunately, an elbow injury landed him on the injured list for most of the season.

In 2023, Cousins struggled in nine games for the Brewers, going 0-0 with a 4.82 ERA. He was waived during the season and picked up by the Houston Astros.

Former Milwaukee Brewers Pitcher Jake Cousins Needs Tommy John Surgery

Cousins did not pitch in the Majors for Houston and elected to become a free agent following the 2023 season. He ended up signing with the New York Yankees, with whom he went 2-1 with a 2.37 ERA in 37 games in 2024.

Unfortunately, his elbow injury came back early this year, and he has yet to appear in a Big League game for New York. And that wait will go into next season as the former Brewers hurler now needs to get Tommy John surgery, per MLB Trade Rumors:

“Right-hander Jake Cousins will undergo Tommy John surgery. Manager Aaron Boone informed members of the beat today, including Brendan Kuty of The Athletic. Cousins will therefore miss the entire 2025 season and at least the first half of 2026 as well. He is already on the 60-day injured list.”

Cousins was 0-0 with a 7.71 ERA during his attempted rehab appearances this year.