Milwaukee – Manager Pat Murphy, a two‑time NL Manager of the Year, told reporters on Wednesday that he does not feel the Brewers have “played great” despite the team’s impressive win‑loss record. “We haven’t really jelled. We haven’t really come together,” Murphy said, reflecting on a season that has already produced an eighth playoff berth in nine years.
Strong standing in the NL Central
The Brewers sit near the top of the National League Central, chasing a fourth consecutive division title. After a 22‑0 shutout of Seattle that matched one of the most lopsided games in modern MLB history, Milwaukee extended its winning streak to four before a 7‑5 loss to the Mariners ended it.
Milwaukee’s record puts the club ahead of the Chicago Cubs, who have won 11 of their last 16 games and sit 4½ games back in the division. The two teams will meet in a four‑game series at Wrigley Field Aug. 31‑Sept. 3, followed by a three‑game set in Milwaukee Sept. 7‑9.
Recent schedule grind
Milwaukee completed a grueling 17‑day stretch with no days off, including a full West Coast trip and part of another. The Brewers went 10‑7 during that span, rebounding from a three‑game skid in San Diego by sweeping the Dodgers, the two‑time defending World Series champions who eliminated Milwaukee from the NLCS last season.
First baseman Jake Bauers praised the club’s resilience, saying, “I think it says we’re a good baseball team. In tough times it can be easy to lose sight of that, but we have the right people around to bounce back when things get tough.”
Roster moves and injuries
The Brewers’ front office continued to chase top pitching talent, attempting to acquire two‑time AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal. The effort fell short when Detroit sent Skubal to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Instead, Milwaukee turned to rookie Logan Henderson, who out‑pitched Skubal in the series finale at Los Angeles, improving to 7‑2 with a 2.70 ERA. The club also added former St. Louis Cardinals right‑hander Dustin May, hoping he can join a rotation that already features NL Cy Young front‑runner Jacob Misiorowski, Henderson, and left‑hander Kyle Harrison.
Harrison praised the pitching staff, noting, “They’re so good at just knowing who you are as an individual and knowing what you need. It’s pretty cool to have those guys you can trust and rely on.”
Milwaukee has also dealt with injuries to two‑time All‑Star Brandon Woodruff, who is out for the season, and Quinn Priester, who has not pitched this year.
Offensive production
Despite producing the fewest home runs in the majors, the Brewers rank among the top five teams in runs scored. Bauers’ breakout season has helped offset the decline of former MVP Christian Yelich and three‑time All‑Star William Contreras.
Murphy highlighted leadership on the field, saying, “I watch some of our leaders that might not be getting the results, but the way they handle everybody else is pretty impressive.” He added that the team’s ability to stay competitive even when not at its best may be the secret to continued success.
Looking ahead
With the division race tightening and the upcoming Cubs series, the Brewers will aim to maintain momentum while navigating a roster that has endured significant injuries and missed out on a marquee pitcher. Murphy’s candid assessment suggests that while the record looks strong, the club still has areas to improve before the postseason.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
