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. Misiorowski would be available to start again in Game 5 on Friday.