The Milwaukee Brewers are going to attempt to follow up yesterday’s 22-0 historic thrashing of the Seattle Mariners. While it’s unlikely the scoring output will be similar, the Brewers are continuing to get closer to full strength on the offensive side.
The Brewers announced that they had activated shortstop Cooper Pratt from the IL prior to tonight’s game after dealing with a hamstring strain. Pratt is back in tonight’s starting lineup. To make room on the roster, the Brewers optioned outfielder
Brandon Lockridge to Triple-A Nashville.
Lockridge’s option is a mild surprise, given he plays a different position, but with Joey Ortiz dealing with a twisted ankle that he suffered in last night’s game that the team is monitoring, it makes sense for the Brewers to want to keep Jonathan Ornelas on the roster for a few more days rather than designating him for assignment. Lockridge has options, Ornelas does not. With limited infield depth options in the minors, it’s the smart play.
Also on the injury front, Pat Murphy told reporters pregame that centerfielder Garrett Mitchell is dealing with a sore foot and they are holding him out of the lineup as a precaution.
On the mound, the Brewers will have Dustin May making his third start with the club following his trade deadline arrival. This will be May’s first night game start with Milwaukee. May’s been exceptional so far, with a 2.08 ERA in his two starts, covering 13 IP.
On the other side, the Mariners will have one of their best with right-hander Logan Gilbert. Gilbert has a 3.28 ERA on the season with a 9-7 record and 152 Ks. He’s been a consistent and reliable starter for a number of years now, including a 6th place AL Cy Young finish in 2024, when he led the league in innings pitches and WHIP. Christian Yelich, who homered last night, has a good history against Gilbert, with a pair of home runs in nine at-bats.
The Brewers lineup will feature a familiar top group with Brice Turang, Jackson Chourio, and Jake Bauers forming the top of the order. William Contreras, Christian Yelich, and Andrew Vaughn make up the middle of the order. Luis Lara gets the start in centerfield and bats seventh while Joey Ortiz and Cooper Pratt round out the bottom of the order. With Pratt’s return to his home at shortstop, Ortiz slides back over to third base.
The Mariners will make a few changes to their lineup after being shut out last night. Brendan Donovan, Randy Arozarena, and Dominic Canzone make up the top of the order. Julio Rodriguez, Josh Naylor, and Cole Young form the middle of the lineup. Cal Raleigh, Taylor Ward, and Brock Rodden will round out the bottom of Dan Wilson’s starting nine.
It’ll be a matchup of two pitchers who have had great seasons. It’ll be unlikely that there are 22 combined runs scored again, especially all from one team.
