​After dropping the first game of today’s doubleheader by a 7-6 margin in disappointing fashion, the Brewers will try to rebound in the second tilt this afternoon. Esmerlyn Valdez delivered the go-ahead grand slam in the seventh inning of game one, setting the tone for a tough loss. Now, Milwaukee turns to left-hander Shane Drohan on the mound, with right-hander Bubba Chandler lined up opposite him for the opposition.
Drohan enters with a 2.97 ERA and a 3.20 FIP across 18 appearances, eight of which are starts, totaling 63 2/3 innings and 61 strikeouts. He has been efficient lately, yielding just four earned runs over his previous four starts spanning 21 innings, an impressive 1.71 ERA, while fanning 17. In contrast, Chandler, a fellow rookie, has appeared in 18 games (17 starts) this season, carrying a 4.82 ERA and a 4.70 FIP. He has racked up 79 strikeouts but also a league-worst 52 walks across 89 2/3 innings. His recent form has not been kind, as he was roughed up in his last two outings, giving up nine earned runs over 10 1/3 innings to the Phillies and Nationals.
Right-hander Garrett Stallings will serve as the Brewers’ 27th man for the doubleheader, and he has been activated ahead of this game. The Brewers’ lineup for the second game is not yet finalized, but I’ll update you as soon as it’s official.
Today is a busy one across the league, with the MLB Draft unfolding concurrently with the doubleheader. You can follow the Brewers’ draft progress here as it happens. If you missed it, Milwaukee selected shortstop Trey Ebel from Corona High School in California with the No. 25 overall pick. If that name sounds familiar, Ebel is the younger brother of last year’s No. 32 overall pick, Brady Ebel, who is also with the Brewers organization and currently playing for the Low-A Wilson Warbirds. Corona High School is notable in Brewers lore as the alma mater of Brice Turang, whom Milwaukee drafted No. 21 overall in 2018.
First pitch for the second game is set for 3:05 p.m. CT, with coverage on Brewers TV and the Brewers Radio Network. This game offers another chance for Milwaukee to notch a win, rebound from the opener, and keep momentum as the season progresses.