Wade Miley hopes to 'spark up some 2018 magic'

The last time Wade Miley pitched for the Brewers was game six of the 2018 NLCS against the Dodgers. That season, the Brew Crew finished one game away from making it to the World Series. Five years later, Miley has returned to the Brewers and is hoping to “spark up some of that 2018 magic”.

Here is what Wade Miley had to say about returning to the Brewers and hoping to “spark up some of that 2018 magic”.  

“I don’t know if it feels like 2018 all over again, but hopefully we can maybe spark some of that magic up and get on a good run again.  I know there’s definitely a pitching staff to do it with.”

When Miley was last with the Brewers, Brandon Woodruff was still emerging. In fact, Woodruff was the pitcher who famously replaced Miley during game five of the NLCS after facing just one batter. Freddy Peralta and Corbin Burnes were also still up and coming at that time.

This time around, Miley does not have to be one of the “go to guys” like both him and Jhoulys Chacin were during the 2018 season. After missing most of the first half of the 2018 season with an injury, Miley ended up making 16 starts, covered 60.2 innings, and had a 2.57 ERA. His performance that year was a big reason why the Brewers were able to battle back and eventually win the NL Central.

Looking ahead to 2023, Miley is looking to put his injury filled 2022 season behind him.  

Injuries to his throwing shoulder and elbow limited Miley in 2022 to just nine appearances. He did indicate that the delayed start to the season had an impact on him and that he is currently on track in regards to his off-season plan.

” I just felt like with the lockout and everything, Spring Training was a little goofy again. I just really never got on track and was playing catch-up all year long. It was definitely very frustrating, but I feel really good right now. I’m a couple weeks away from getting off the mound. I’m looking forward to it.”