The Milwaukee Brewers defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 6-2 on Friday to improve to 6-7 in their spring training slate, and right-hander Chad Patrick earned the starting nod in the contest.  

Patrick pitched three innings and struck out five batters while allowing five hits and two earned runs. He earned the winning decision in the victory. 

Afterward, Patrick spoke with the media about his outing.  

“I felt like everything today was a little grindy,” Patrick said. “Just trying to feel out how to be competitive and also work on things, too. So, I think as the rest of spring training goes, bringing the pitch count up, and just being ready to go is important."

Patrick, 27, is entering his sophomore season of Major League Baseball, and he has a corresponding set of goals going into it. 

“I think it's just identifying where your weaknesses are and making sure that they're in tip top shape come season time,” he said. 

As a rookie, Patrick appeared in 27 games for the Brewers, and 23 of those games were starts. In his appearances, Patrick logged a 3-8 record with a 3.53 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP in 119 2/3 innings of work.  

This season, Patrick is working on his slurve — a mix of a slider and a curveball. The addition of it will mix up his arsenal.  

“I think it's trying to get strikes with it and get swings and misses," Patrick said. "It's just something different versus seeing cutter fastballs all the time. So, it's more so for a hitter to just be able to respect the fastballs more. 

“I thought today it was really good," he said. "I think it's there and we're just gonna keep making adjustments on it and we'll keep throwing it.” 

Manager Pat Murphy conveyed to the media that Patrick will be locked into the Opening Day rotation — an opportunity that he continues to work hard for.  

“I mean, yeah, I think you stay hungry, though,” Patrick said. “I think that's the biggest key for every Spring Training or every year that you come in, just stay hungry and be ready for when your moment comes and just stay locked in.” 

Patrick also said that he had not heard from Murphy about his spot in the rotation. But he is grateful for where his professional journey has brought him as he has made his way from the minors to the pros.  

“Yeah, no, for sure," Patrick said. "They were just talking about that yesterday. It's just crazy how things happen and just be grateful for the opportunities.” 

One player on the roster Patrick has looked to as a veteran presence is Brandon Woodruff, who he affectionately refers to as “unc.” Woodruff is set to make his first spring training appearance on Saturday.  

“Yeah, Woodruff is the dad, or unc. He's awesome,” Patrick said. “I'm grateful to be able to — any one of us — to be able to pick his brain apart and take the crap that he gives me and kind of try to give it back, but it doesn't go over well. He's awesome for this group. He's a great leader.” 

Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!

It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.

Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!