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With the National League Division Series still about two weeks away, the Milwaukee Brewers likely have a clear picture of the 26 players they will take into their playoff opener. The NLDS is set to begin on October 3 at American Family Field.
One of the few remaining choices for the Brewers is whether to carry 13 or 14 position players. In each of the past three years, they have opted for 14 or more in non-seven-game series. Since Kyle Harrison has not made a strong case for the 13th pitcher spot, another hitter may make the team. Bo Naylor has been on the roster throughout September, and his inclusion would allow the Brewers to use Gary Sanchez more freely without risking a shortage at catcher if William Contreras were injured mid-game.
Key Analysis
The infield group appears set with Jake Bauers, David Hamilton, Joey Ortiz, Cooper Pratt, Brice Turang, and Andrew Vaughn. The main question is how manager Pat Murphy will deploy Hamilton, Ortiz, Pratt, and Vaughn. In the outfield, Jackson Chourio will start in left field every day, while Garrett Mitchell is the center fielder against right-handers. The rest of the outfield alignment remains uncertain. It is unclear whether Bauers will return to right field against lefties, as he has often done this season, or if Sal Frelick or Luis Lara will start in right against a righty. Additionally, Murphy must decide whether to keep Mitchell in center against a lefty or trust Lara.
The starting rotation after the first two games is still up in the air. Robert Gasser is expected to fill a length role, and Dustin May is also likely to be involved in a similar capacity. The bullpen is projected to include Aaron Ashby, Shane Drohan, DL Hall, Trevor Megill, Chad Patrick, JoJo Romero, Antonio Senzatela, and Abner Uribe. Drohan edges out Kyle Harrison, Garrett Stallings, and Grant Anderson for the final relief spot. However, if the Brewers face a righty-heavy team like the San Diego Padres, that spot could go to Anderson.
Originally reported by yahoo.