The Milwaukee Brewers are continuing their adjustments at third base by bringing Caleb Durbin onto the team, following Oliver Dunn’s reassignment to Triple-A Nashville just the day before. Durbin joined the Brewers alongside left-handed pitcher Nestor Cortes in an offseason trade that sent two-time NL Reliever of the Year Devin Williams to the New York Yankees. In his major league debut on Friday, Durbin made a quick impact, going 2 for 4 and scoring a run in the Brewers’ 5-3 victory over the Athletics.
Oliver Dunn had previously shared third base duties with Vinny Capra, but now Durbin is set to take on a more consistent role in that position. “I see him playing every day,” stated Brewers manager Pat Murphy before Friday’s game, indicating confidence in the 25-year-old’s potential.
Durbin, who stands 5-foot-7, had impressive stats in the minors, batting .278 with a .316 on-base percentage, two home runs, three RBIs, and three stolen bases in 13 games with Nashville. While he has often played second base in the minors, Durbin has also shown proficiency at third base, having played there in eight out of his 13 appearances this season.
Durbin’s promotion to the majors is a significant milestone, especially considering his beginnings at Washington University of St. Louis, a Division III program. Growing up in Lake Forest, Illinois, just an hour from Milwaukee, he relished the opportunity to play close to home, buying around 30 tickets for friends and relatives to watch his debut, while many others secured their own.
“Definitely my journey’s pretty unique, but I think just in general anyone at this level has put in a ton of work,” Durbin remarked. “I know how much work I’ve had to put in to get here, and it’s not easy. But at the same time, you just put your head down and work, and you’re giving yourself the best chance. That’s kind of what it’s been about for me.” His dedication and perseverance have clearly paid off as he takes this significant step in his career.
Oliver Dunn, age 27, opened the season as a primary option at third, starting in 11 of the Brewers’ first 19 contests. However, his performance struggled to make an impact, batting just .167 with a .205 on-base percentage. Compared to last year’s performance, where he hit .221 with a .282 on-base percentage, his dip in form prompted the adjustment.
Manager Pat Murphy expressed empathy for Dunn’s situation, acknowledging the pressure on young players. “It’s no disrespect in any way,” Murphy said. “It happens to virtually most of all young players. You could say the same thing about Capra, but Capra has the ability to play shortstop. If something was to happen, we need that flexibility.”
Vinny Capra, 28, has seen limited success this season, with a batting average of .097 and an on-base percentage of .125 in 13 games. As the Brewers seek to find stability and effectiveness at third base, they are optimistic that Caleb Durbin’s arrival will bring a positive impact moving forward.