Trey Supak Shapes Up

There will be a lot less of Trey Supak when the 23-year-old righthander reports to big league camp this spring, which he hopes will lead to bigger things on the mound.

Supak, the 2019 pitcher of the year in the Double-A Southern League, had let his physical conditioning slip. He was listed at 240 pounds but admitted to being closer to 270 by the end of the season.

He was down to about 250 pounds with a couple of weeks to go before pitchers and catchers reported to spring training.

“I’m going into camp in better shape, physically and mentally,” said Supak, a 2014 supplemental second-round pick out of La Grange (Texas) High by the Pirates. Milwaukee acquired him in a trade after the 2015 season.

“I took what (the Brewers) said to heart to get in better shape,” Supak said. “. . . I changed my meal plan, started eating better, did some different workouts, more cardio. I’ve never felt this good. That’s why I think this camp is going to be different for me.”

In 20 starts for Biloxi last season Supak went 11-4, 2.20 and held opponents to a .192 average with 91 strikeouts in 122.2 innings. He moved to Triple-A San Antonio for his final seven starts but ran up a 9.30 ERA while using the lively major league ball used at the level.

“I’m never going to use the ball as an excuse,” he said. “I didn’t finish the year the way I wanted to. I got away from doing the things I do best. I was a little timid because it’s such a hitter-friendly league . . . It was a big learning experience for me, dealing with adversity.”

Supak would be happy for any role in Milwaukee that comes his way in what will be his second spring in big league camp.

“I’m ready to go and compete, and control what I can control,” Supak said. “My goal is to pitch in the big leagues this year. I’m going to do whatever I can to make that happen. I’m feeling great and I’m really excited about the new season.”

MICROBREWS

— Second baseman Luis Urias, acquired earlier in the offseason in a trade with the Padres, broke the hamate bone in his left wrist in the Mexican Pacific League playoffs in late January. The surgery and recovery will cost him eight weeks, thus ruling him out for spring training and Opening Day. 

— The Brewers signed two players from the independent American Association: lefthander Chris Lee from St. Paul and righthander Garrett Mundell from Winnipeg.