The Milwaukee Brewers will have their first opportunity to advance beyond the National League Division Series when they face the San Diego Padres on Tuesday night.

Following Monday’s day off, Milwaukee will return to the field with Dustin May starting against San Diego right-hander Nick Pivetta. The Brewers hold a commanding 2-0 series lead, but cannot afford to become comfortable.

Milwaukee is trusting May in Game 3, although manager Pat Murphy will need to monitor his workload closely. The right-hander has not completed more than three innings in an appearance since Sept. 11 against the Cincinnati Reds.

May has completed at least five innings only once since Aug. 19, with that outing coming during the Sept. 11 start.

His postseason experience and success against the Padres throughout the 2026 season helped him earn the Game 3 assignment. However, the Brewers must watch him carefully as his workload increases.

Milwaukee has the inside track to advance to the National League Championship Series. Losing the series would require the Brewers to drop three consecutive games, including one that would likely feature Jacob Misiorowski as their starter.

That outcome appears unlikely, although it remains possible. Milwaukee controls the series and has multiple opportunities to eliminate San Diego.

The Brewers must also consider the condition of their bullpen. Trevor Megill and Abner Uribe appeared in Games 1 and 2, making it reasonable to avoid using either pitcher Tuesday unless absolutely necessary.

Milwaukee has a formidable bullpen with enough talent to complete Game 3 without relying on Megill or Uribe. Overusing important relievers early in the postseason could make the unit easier to overcome later if the Brewers advance.

May understands the different pace and pressure surrounding postseason games and should not be overwhelmed by the importance of Game 3.

He also brings familiarity with the Padres. Knowing their hitters does not guarantee success, but it can help May construct an approach and recognize when adjustments are required.

May does not need to pitch deep into the game to give Milwaukee what it needs. His responsibility is to provide controlled innings, prevent San Diego from building early momentum and leave the Brewers within position to use their bullpen effectively.

His willingness to compete in a potentially limited assignment will also matter. May must avoid approaching the game as if proving he can handle a traditional starter’s workload is the priority.

Efficiency, command and honesty about fatigue will be more valuable than attempting to remain on the mound too long.

If May attacks the strike zone and manages difficult moments, he can place Milwaukee in position to finish the series without exhausting its most frequently used relievers.