​After being swept in yesterday’s doubleheader in Pittsburgh, the Brewers will look to rebound and close out the first half with their 60th win of the season. Sitting at 59-36, Milwaukee holds a six-game cushion atop the NL Central over the Cubs, and regardless of today’s outcome, the first half can already be viewed as a success. Left-hander Robert Gasser will take the ball for the Brewers, as Jacob Misiorowski was scratched yesterday due to what the team described as “fatigue.” Gasser, 27, has started eight games this year, posting a 2-3 record with a 4.15 ERA, a 4.90 FIP, and 40 strikeouts over 43 1/3 innings. He’s coming off one of his better performances of the season in the second game of Tuesday’s doubleheader, going 7 2/3 innings while allowing two runs on four hits and a walk, with four strikeouts.
Right-hander Paul Skenes will oppose Gasser, and while he remains one of the game’s premier pitchers, he hasn’t been as dominant in his third season. Through 19 starts, Skenes is 7-8 with a 3.58 ERA, a 2.97 FIP, and 123 strikeouts over 103 innings. He’s had a tougher stretch recently by his standards, giving up at least two earned runs in each of his last six starts, and the Pirates are just 1-9 in his last 10 outings.
A few roster updates to close out the first half: the Brewers have acquired infielder Braden Shewmake from the Astros in exchange for cash. Shewmake, 28, was a first-round pick by the Braves in 2019 but hasn’t fully realized his potential in parts of three major-league seasons. He appeared in 30 games for Houston this year, posting a .256/.272/.423 line with three home runs, four doubles, nine RBIs, and 10 runs scored across 83 plate appearances. He was designated for assignment on Friday.
To clear a spot on the roster, Milwaukee designated utility man Greg Jones for assignment. Jones, another former first-round pick, has managed just two hits in 23 at-bats this year and has struck out 10 times. He was an emergency fill-in at infield after David Hamilton’s injury last week, but with the Shewmake addition, he finds himself DFA’d for the second time this season.
On the pitching staff, right-hander Brandon Woodruff was moved to the 60-day injured list, making it increasingly likely he won’t return this season and perhaps signals a possible end to his tenure with the Brewers. Right-hander Coleman Crow was reinstated from the 15-day IL and optioned to Triple-A Nashville, though it’s reasonable to expect him back in the majors at some point.
Offensively, Christian Yelich remains at the top of the order as the leadoff man, with Jackson Chourio and Brice Turang following. Jake Bauers will bat fourth as the first baseman, with Gary Sánchez catching and Garrett Mitchell patrolling center field. Sal Frelick, Joey Ortiz, and Shewmake—which will likely see him getting some infield time at third—round out the lineup.
First pitch is scheduled for 11:15 a.m. today, with television coverage on Peacock and NBC Sports Network for fans watching on their devices or screens. This game represents more than just the continuation of a strong season for Milwaukee; it serves as a test of depth for a club that has consistently found ways to win and push through a demanding schedule as the midway point approaches.