The Milwaukee Brewers are embarking on a challenging road trip, down 0–2 against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series (NLCS). With their chances of reaching the World Series diminishing, the Brewers must rally as they prepare for Game 3 on Thursday.
Despite the team’s struggles at the plate, the pitching staff has performed commendably, limiting the Dodgers to just seven runs over the first two games. Manager Pat Murphy is leaning heavily on his bullpen during this postseason, but he might need to maximize the innings from key pitchers as the series unfolds.
One such arm is rookie sensation Jacob Misiorowski. Although the 23-year-old was demoted to the bullpen following a challenging second half of the season, he has significantly turned his performance around in October. Until now, Misiorowski has pitched seven innings this postseason, giving up just one run while striking out seven batters.
As the Brewers continue their preparations for Game 3, Murphy revealed that the pitching strategy remains “under construction.” Both Jose Quintana and Misiorowski are potential options to provide length in the game. Quintana has confirmed that he will pitch in Game 3, placing the responsibility on Murphy to determine whether Misiorowski will be utilized immediately or held back for later games.
Should Quintana struggle to maintain length, Misiorowski may be called into a high-pressure situation. Conversely, if the game remains tight or favorable for Milwaukee, Murphy might opt to conserve Misiorowski’s arm for Game 4, where he could be crucial in both evening the series and maintaining the team’s championship aspirations.
With 15 appearances under his belt this season, Misiorowski logged a 4.36 ERA and accumulated 87 strikeouts in 66 innings. His performance has been particularly impressive despite a dip in form following his historic All-Star appearance.
Ultimately, Misiorowski’s contribution could be pivotal in keeping the Brewers’ postseason dreams alive. Whether he takes the mound in Game 3 or is saved for a later date, his presence is essential as Milwaukee seeks to shift the momentum and continue its journey toward the World Series.