SAN DIEGO — The Brewers enter Wednesday night with a chance to finish off the Padres, and the most intriguing arm in their bullpen may be a starter wearing a different hat. Jacob Misiorowski could be available in relief for Milwaukee in Game 4 of the National League Division Series, with the club holding a 2-1 edge in the best-of-five set.
Manager Pat Murphy did not promise that Misiorowski would pitch, but he did not close the door, either. “It could happen,” Murphy said, stressing that any move would depend on the game situation rather than a predetermined plan.
Misiorowski could offer a high-leverage option
Game 4 is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET, 9 p.m. CT and 7 p.m. PT, with FS1, FOX Deportes and FOX One carrying the broadcast. Robert Gasser is set to start for Milwaukee, but the Brewers have built enough pitching depth to consider an aggressive move if a late-inning spot calls for it.
- Milwaukee dropped Game 3 on Tuesday night but retained control of the series with its 2-1 lead.
- Misiorowski has been prepared to pitch, pitching coach Chris Hook said, calling the right-hander ready for action.
- If he works in relief Wednesday, the Brewers believe there is still a path for Misiorowski to start a possible Game 5 in Milwaukee on Friday night.
- The idea resembles the late-season use of Sandy Alcantara by the Marlins, who deployed their ace on his usual between-starts throwing day and received three saves.
Murphy said the club would not use Misiorowski simply because it is an elimination opportunity for San Diego. Milwaukee intends to weigh workload, matchup and game leverage before making that call. “We have to handle it intelligently and evaluate the circumstances,” Murphy said. “But our pitching staff is in a good place.”
Fresh late-inning arms, but one spot bears watching
Closer Trevor Megill and setup left-hander Aaron Ashby did not appear in Game 3, leaving both rested for Wednesday. Milwaukee also has multi-inning lefties Shane Drohan and Kyle Harrison available after neither pitched during the first three games of the series.
The pressure point could be the right-handed bridge work. Abner Uribe has pitched in all three NLDS games, so another appearance would put him on the mound for the fourth time in five days. Antonio Senzatela also worked Tuesday, throwing 14 pitches in Game 3.
A series where every club has learned the other
Murphy said the familiarity between the two clubs has made the series difficult to predict. The teams have seen plenty of each other already, and each game has carried its own argument over which side had the better of the play.
“We’re a little exposed because both teams know each other so well,” Murphy said. “That’s what has made it such a terrific series.” He said he had not spent time following the other postseason matchups, with the Brewers’ own tight series demanding his full attention. His message to the club was simpler: keep working and appreciate the chance to play in games this close.
