The Milwaukee Brewers are gearing up for a pivotal three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds this weekend, starting Friday evening. Currently, the Brewers hold the best record in Major League Baseball at 87-53, and they are looking to extend their impressive run. They are coming off a series finale against the Chicago Cubs, where a victory would mark their sixth consecutive series win and ninth in their last ten series overall.
In stark contrast, the Cincinnati Reds find themselves at the bottom of the NL Central standings with a record of 67-73. However, the Reds have recently shown signs of life, having won their last two series against the Cubs and the San Diego Padres. These victories mark their first series wins since early August, providing a glimmer of hope as they face the formidable Brewers.
In terms of injuries, the Brewers are primarily dealing with pitching concerns. Their injured list includes Bryse Wilson, who is expected to return in mid-September, and Brandon Woodruff, who is eyeing a potential return for the postseason. Other pitchers like Rob Zastryzny, Brian Fitzpatrick, Quinn Priester, and Angel Zerpa are out for the season, leaving the Brewers to rely heavily on their remaining arms.
The Reds are also facing significant injury challenges, particularly in their infield. Spencer Steer is likely done for the season, while Ke’Bryan Hayes and Michael Toglia are also sidelined. Outfielder Blake Dunn is out for the year as well. On the pitching front, Graham Ashcraft is on a rehab assignment after a lengthy absence due to a UCL sprain, and Hunter Greene has undergone Tommy John surgery, ruling him out for the remainder of the season and possibly all of next year.
Offensively, the Brewers are led by a strong lineup featuring Jake Bauers, Jackson Chourio, and Christian Yelich, who has been particularly hot lately. The team boasts a collective batting average of .257 with a .740 OPS, ranking fourth in the league. They have scored 704 runs this season, placing them third overall, and have stolen 136 bases, good for sixth in the majors.
Meanwhile, the Reds are anchored by rookie sensation Sal Stewart, who is making a strong case for NL Rookie of the Year with a .266 batting average, 31 home runs, and 105 RBIs. Other contributors include Elly De La Cruz and Eugenio Suárez, despite Suárez's low batting average of .206. As a team, the Reds have struggled offensively, hitting .228 with a .703 OPS, which ranks 23rd in the league.
On the pitching side, the Brewers have a solid bullpen led by Aaron Ashby and Abner Uribe, contributing to a team ERA of 3.48, which ranks second in MLB. The Reds, conversely, have a team ERA of 4.64, placing them 26th, with their starters struggling particularly, as evidenced by their 4.65 ERA.
The series will feature intriguing pitching matchups. On Friday, LHP Shane Drohan (7-5, 3.75 ERA) will face RHP Rhett Lowder (6-8, 5.14 ERA). Drohan has been effective in his rookie season, while Lowder, despite recent improvements, has struggled overall. Saturday's matchup features RHP Dustin May (6-9, 4.69 ERA) against LHP Andrew Abbott (6-10, 4.49 ERA), both of whom are looking to find consistency. The series will conclude on Sunday with LHP Kyle Harrison (10-4, 3.45 ERA) taking on RHP Brady Singer (5-13, 4.83 ERA). Singer leads the league in losses, adding pressure to his performance.
Fans can catch all the action on Brewers TV and listen via the Brewers Radio Network, with coverage beginning Friday evening. This series is crucial for both teams, with the Brewers aiming to solidify their playoff position and the Reds hoping to build on their recent momentum.
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