Sports
Brewers weigh pitching options as World Series opener nears
Milwaukee manager Pat Murphy said the team is balancing recovery and preparation ahead of Friday’s World Series opener. Rookie pitcher Jacob Misiorowski plans to attack the strike zone as he prepares to start against Tampa Bay.
MILWAUKEE — The Brewers are turning from postseason recovery to final preparations for the World Series, with Game 1 set for Friday night at American Family Field against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Manager Pat Murphy said Thursday that Milwaukee had practiced and taken live at-bats after a long break following the National League Championship Series. The downtime helped players recover from an emotional series and a cross-country trip, he said, but could not fully make up for the feel of competition: “You can’t recreate real” games.
Murphy said he had not decided whether to include pitcher Brandon Woodruff on the World Series roster. Woodruff looked strong in a recent live session, but the team must consider how many innings he could contribute and the risk of another injury. With no option to replace an injured player during the seven-game series, Murphy said, the decision carries added weight.
Misiorowski is preparing to start the opener. After facing the Padres and Dodgers in the postseason, he expects Tampa Bay hitters to foul off pitches and make him work. His plan, he said, is to “stick to my strengths and pound the zone.”
The right-hander said he felt more comfortable in his second postseason start after changing his approach. He credited the Brewers’ pitching staff with helping him move beyond relying on velocity, including by limiting walks and challenging hitters in the strike zone. He called starting the World Series opener an honor, while saying he was treating it like any other game. Representing Milwaukee and being a role model for young fans, he added, was “really cool.”
Murphy praised Tampa Bay’s ability to win in different ways and also highlighted the contributions of pitcher Freddy Peralta, whom he described as a joyful presence and strong teammate. He said Christian Yelich had taken on the responsibilities of team captain with focus and had been “way more important in this process than anyone knows.”
First pitch for Game 1 is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, with pregame coverage beginning at 6 p.m. The best-of-seven series is scheduled to continue Saturday in Milwaukee before shifting to the opponent’s home field for Games 3 and 4 on Monday and Tuesday, with later games played if necessary.