Riding a dominant late-season surge, Robert Gasser offers the Milwaukee Brewers the consistency and tactical balance needed to dismantle the San Diego Padres’ lineup.
The Milwaukee Brewers are two days away from beginning their World Series pursuit in the 2026 postseason. Milwaukee will face the San Diego Padres in the National League Division Series, with the series opening Saturday in Milwaukee.
The Brewers are also five days away from answering the most important question surrounding their pitching staff: Who will start Game 3?
Jacob Misiorowski will take the mound in Game 1, while Logan Henderson is currently scheduled to start Game 2. As of this writing, Milwaukee has not announced its Game 3 starter.
The decision would have been much easier if Kyle Harrison had not struggled late in the season. Harrison could have started Game 2 and moved Henderson to Game 3, or Henderson could have remained in Game 2 with Harrison following him.
Brandon Woodruff’s injury also changed the situation. Had Woodruff remained healthy, he almost certainly would have started one of Milwaukee’s first three games, with Game 3 being the latest possible assignment.
Dustin May or Robert Gasser?
Two candidates stand above the remaining alternatives: Dustin May and Robert Gasser.
When the Brewers acquired May from the St. Louis Cardinals and Harrison began struggling, the large right-hander appeared to be the most obvious choice for Game 3.
May could still receive that assignment, but his performance late in the season was not perfect. He has not pitched more than three innings in a game since Sept. 11 against the Cincinnati Reds.
May made 10 starts for Milwaukee and completed fewer than four innings in six of them. His Brewers tenure began positively but gradually shifted in the wrong direction.
Gasser followed a different path. He completed the regular season in impressive form, posting a 1.67 ERA and 0.85 WHIP in 27 innings over his last five starts.
Milwaukee went 4-1 in those contests. Gasser also has not allowed more than one run in a game since Sept. 1 against the Chicago Cubs.
What’s the right call for Brewers?
Based strictly on their recent performances, the decision should not require much debate. Gasser was considerably better down the stretch and should receive the Game 3 assignment.
May owns substantially more postseason experience, giving him an important advantage during Milwaukee’s evaluation. However, Gasser has delivered the stronger recent results.
Gasser provides composure, command and willingness to trust his approach. He does not need overwhelming emotion to control a game because his preparation allows him to remain focused from one hitter to the next.
The left-hander also brings balance to a rotation led by two right-handed pitchers. His presence can force San Diego to adjust its lineup and prepare for a different style.
Gasser has demonstrated the ability to avoid allowing one difficult moment to determine an entire outing. That steadiness matters during a short series, when early mistakes can quickly change the direction of a game.
May’s experience deserves consideration, but Gasser’s confidence, consistency and recent execution make him Milwaukee’s strongest Game 3 option.
