Brewers Set NLCS Pitching Plan Against Dodgers in 2026

The Milwaukee Brewers are preparing their National League Championship Series pitching plan against the Los Angeles Dodgers, with manager Pat Murphy indicating Kyle Harrison, Shane Drohan and Chad Patrick are expected to contribute after limited NLDS usage.

According to reviewingthebrew.com, Milwaukee carried 13 pitchers in its NLDS roster instead of the more common 12-pitcher setup. The decision allowed Harrison to remain available despite not appearing against the San Diego Padres.

Harrison, Drohan and Patrick also did not pitch in the NLDS, but Murphy said their absence was based on circumstances during the series rather than a lack of confidence. The Brewers bullpen was heavily used in high-leverage situations during the victory.

"I trust those guys. It's just the way it worked out, it was the way to do it." said Pat Murphy, manager.

Murphy's comments came as Milwaukee moved into the best-of-seven NLCS, where the longer format could require additional pitching depth compared with the previous best-of-five round.

"I anticipate all of them having a role." said Pat Murphy, manager.

According to sports.yahoo.com, Murphy selected Robert Gasser to start Game 3 of the NLCS after the left-hander threw four innings and allowed one run against the Padres in the NLDS.

The Brewers are expected to face a possible Game 3 matchup against Dodgers left-hander Blake Snell, who entered the postseason with 17 career playoff starts and 20 overall postseason appearances.

Milwaukee entered the NLCS as the National League's No. 1 seed after a 103-59 regular season record and advanced by defeating the Padres 3-1 in the NLDS, according to sports.yahoo.com.

The franchise has never won a World Series, and according to sports.yahoo.com, its only appearance came in 1982 when Milwaukee lost a seven-game series to the St. Louis Cardinals.