Former MLB player Jimmy Rollins has shared key advice for the struggling hitters in the Milwaukee Brewers lineup as they face elimination in the National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Brewers, who have managed just 18 hits in their last five postseason games, are in a precarious situation, finding themselves down 3-0 in the series after being unable to score more than one run in each of their losses.
Rollins emphasized the importance of simplicity at the plate during an appearance on the TBS Pregame Show. He encouraged the Brewers to focus on swinging at strikes. “You look for pitches in the hitting zone,” Rollins explained, highlighting that both fastballs and breaking balls present opportunities for successful hits. He noted that the early success the Brewers saw against the Chicago Cubs, where they delivered multiple hits, has since dwindled as they have seemingly become fixated on hitting for power rather than playing small ball.
He remarked on the necessity for the Brewers to avoid swinging and missing, which Rollins stated is not typical of their batting style. He believes that making more contact will be crucial for turning the tide in their favor.
Curtis Granderson, another analyst, pointed out that the Dodgers’ pitchers have been effective in complicating the Brewers’ offense with a consistent mix of high-spin pitches. He noted that while the Brewers excel against fastballs, the majority of the pitches they have faced from the Dodgers, including those from Shohei Ohtani, have been offspeed.
Although Rollins observed a sense of confidence among the Brewers in the clubhouse before Game 4, he expressed skepticism about their chances of forcing a Game 5. The team’s ability to adapt and reconnect with their hitting fundamentals will be vital if they hope to stave off playoff elimination and shift the momentum in their favor. The series continues on October 17, and all eyes will be on the Brewers to see if they can bounce back from their hitting struggles and make a strong showing.