Brewers Build Dominant Bullpen for NLCS Against Dodgers

The Milwaukee Brewers reached the NLCS behind a dominant bullpen performance in the 2026 postseason, with Trevor Megill, Abner Uribe and Aaron Ashby leading a relief group that limited the San Diego Padres and prepared to face the Los Angeles Dodgers.

According to MLB.com, the trio combined for 210 1/3 regular-season innings with a 2.65 ERA and 247 strikeouts. In the NLDS against the Padres, they covered 12 2/3 of the bullpen's 19 innings and allowed one unearned run.

Megill, Milwaukee's primary closer, posted a 2.80 ERA with 231 strikeouts and 81 saves in parts of four seasons with the Brewers, according to MLB.com. His 97.9 mph average fastball and improved control helped make him a key late-inning option.

Brewers pitching coach Chris Hook highlighted Megill's development after the NLDS.

"He's just really comfortable. He's commanding the baseball. I think this year that's the biggest difference," said Chris Hook, Brewers pitching coach.

Hook added that Megill's ability to control different areas of the zone and use his secondary pitches improved his effectiveness.

"This is just a guy who knows how to handle the situation, commanding both sides of the plate, and the secondary pitches are really good," said Chris Hook, Brewers pitching coach.

Uribe has also become one of Milwaukee's most reliable relievers, posting a 1.80 ERA since 2025 among relievers with at least 100 innings, according to MLB.com. His 99 mph sinker, slider movement and reduced walk rate have strengthened his role.

Ashby provided another dimension as a left-handed former starter who logged 89 1/3 innings in 2026, including 87 relief innings. He recorded a 3.12 ERA, 116 strikeouts and 1.5 WAR, according to FanGraphs cited by MLB.com.

Hook praised Ashby's performance after the NLDS when the left-hander delivered three scoreless innings in Game 4.

"Ash doing what he did, he didn't want to come out of the game," said Chris Hook, Brewers pitching coach.

Hook also described Ashby's reaction after being removed from the contest.

"He was angry and said he could keep going," said Chris Hook, Brewers pitching coach.

The Brewers' bullpen strength also comes from the variety of pitching styles available to manager Pat Murphy. According to Reviewing the Brew, Megill, Uribe, Ashby, DL Hall and JoJo Romero provide different arm angles and pitch profiles that create multiple matchup options.

Matt Arnold said the team's bullpen construction considered the value of different pitching looks while prioritizing talent.

"It's a factor. You want the best guys out there, and they come in different forms. If you're seeing a different look, it's probably unique for the opposing hitter...But talent over all those things, all things equal," said Matt Arnold.

The Brewers entered the NLCS seeking their first World Series title in franchise history, with the bullpen expected to remain a central part of their matchup against the Dodgers.