Wainwright a mystery to Brewers

The Cardinals Adam Wainwright will make his first Major League start today since September 2010, and the Brewers are not entirely sure what to expect.

“I think we really need to see what the difference is between two years ago and now,” Milwaukee manager Ron Roencike said. “Our guys were talking about it — I don’t know if we’ll see the same kind of pitcher that we saw two years ago. A lot of times you have to make adjustments. We’ve got scouting reports on how he looked in Spring Training, but until you see what he’s going to do with his different pitches, we’ll have to adjust in-game.”

Can Roenicke share any of the general concepts in those spring scouting reports. No, he said with a smile.

So, wait and see. Most pitchers are not exactly the same guy when they initially return from Tommy John surgery.

“Usually, not the same,” Roenicke said. “I would say that after two years, you have a really good chance of being the same guy. Velocity, you usually have OK, but it’s the dexterity and being able to do what you did before. It takes a while to come back. I don’t know if it’s the nerves in there, or what.

“Hey, some guys can come back earlier and after a year [of rehab] they’re really good. Those guys are really special.”

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