MILWAUKEE – Jacob Misiorowski is the Brewers’ ace starter going into Game 1 of the NLDS on Saturday night against the Padres.
Last year, he was a bullpen ace for the Brewers in the NLDS against the Cubs.
Is there a chance he can be both?
The Marlins were at the forefront of a trend in baseball that saw some starting pitchers making appearances out of the bullpen on their throwing day between starts. Miami ace Sandy Alcantara did it best, logging three saves in September in that role, with the thought that throwing live to hitters was a more productive use of pitches than an afternoon session in the bullpen in an empty stadium.
That raises an interesting idea: With the travel days baked into the postseason schedule, a starter could have a serious impact on a series, even a short series.
Would Misiorowski be game if the Brewers asked him to try?
His answer provided one of Friday’s best soundbites.
“Give me the ball,” Misiorowski said. “That's plain and simple. That's my answer.”
For now, the Brewers haven’t announced any pitching probables beyond Misiorowski in Game 1 and Logan Henderson in Game 2. Games 3 and, if necessary, Game 4, are in San Diego on Tuesday and Wednesday. If the Brewers do use Misiorowski in relief, one club source said, it would be in Game 4, leaving him ready to start again in a Game 5 two days later, if necessary.
Is that really a possibility?
“Of course,” manager Pat Murphy said before the start of Saturday’s Game 1. “Of course, you’re first mindful of the person’s desire versus how sensible it is from a physical standpoint, especially a guy that throws the ball the way Miz does.
“Is it sensible? It’s going to be his throw day, but we’re not looking for him to bump 101 [mph] in his bullpen session, you know what I mean? [Versus] if he’s coming into a game with the warmups and the adrenaline. So I think it’s more reserved for veteran pitchers. But it’s not out of the question.”