The Milwaukee Brewers’ elite pitching rotation faces a grueling test against a surging San Diego Padres squad that arrives with momentum after a dominant sweep of the Chicago Cubs.
The Milwaukee Brewers know their opponent for the National League Division Series. The San Diego Padres defeated the Chicago Cubs in the National League Wild Card to earn the opportunity to face Milwaukee.
San Diego dominated Game 1 on Tuesday with an 8-0 victory. The Padres completed the sweep Wednesday by defeating Chicago 4-1.
They will travel to Milwaukee for Game 1 of the National League Division Series on Saturday.
Brewers have two aces
The Brewers enter the matchup with a pitching staff constructed around elite talent. Jacob Misiorowski is expected to win the 2026 National League Cy Young Award and will start the series opener.
Misiorowski completed the regular season with a 1.80 ERA and 0.80 WHIP in 174.2 innings over 30 starts, recording 252 strikeouts.
The hard-throwing right-hander made one start against San Diego during the season. Misiorowski allowed no runs on four hits with 10 strikeouts and no walks in seven innings to get a no-decision in a 3-1 home loss on May 13.
Milwaukee will follow Misiorowski with Logan Henderson, who finished the season with a 2.47 ERA and 0.84 WHIP in 98.1 innings across 18 starts. Henderson also produced an exceptional campaign.
The challenge does not become easier after opposing lineups get through Milwaukee’s starting pitchers. The Brewers finished with MLB’s third-best bullpen ERA at 3.40.
Padres are red hot
Milwaukee’s pitching depth was the primary reason the team led MLB with 103 victories.
However, professional sports are not always decided by which team possesses the strongest roster on paper. A game or series can be won by the team producing its best baseball at the most important time.
No MLB team enters the National League Division Series playing better than San Diego.
Early in September, the Padres had not even secured their place in the postseason. They entered the month with a 73-65 record before going 18-6 and then overwhelming the Cubs in the Wild Card round.
San Diego is playing elite baseball in every phase. That momentum can become decisive during a short series.
Milwaukee may be the stronger team on paper, but the Padres arrive as the hottest team in MLB.
Misiorowski’s upside
Misiorowski gives the Brewers the type of pitcher capable of immediately slowing that momentum. He has an overpowering arsenal, confidence and ability to attack hitters without becoming cautious.
His fastball creates constant pressure, while his secondary pitches prevent opponents from preparing for only one weapon. Misiorowski also possesses the composure to work through difficult situations without allowing one baserunner to disrupt his approach.
The responsibility of opening Milwaukee’s postseason belongs to him because he can dictate a game from the first inning. His previous success against San Diego provides familiarity, but Misiorowski must rely on execution rather than past results.
The Padres bring considerable confidence into Saturday. Misiorowski has the talent and mentality to challenge it immediately.
