Milwaukee Brewers: Concern in the bullpen after the loss to Philadelphia
The Milwaukee Brewers, league leaders, closed out a grueling 19-game series in 18 days with another potential loss, this time due to issues in their bullpen, already affected by injuries. Shelby Miller left the game in the eighth inning due to an injury. The pitcher felt discomfort in his elbow after throwing a pitch to Max Kepler. Brewers manager Pat Murphy reported that Miller will undergo medical tests to determine the severity of the injury. Miller, who was acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks at the trade deadline and has an ERA of 2.74 in 48 appearances this season, had been activated from the injured list on August 8 after missing a month with a strain in his right forearm. Despite having the best record in Major League Baseball and leading the National League Central Division by 5.5 games over the Chicago Cubs, the health of the Milwaukee bullpen is a cause for concern. All-Star closer Trevor Megill was placed on the injured list last week due to a right flexor strain. In addition, DL Hall (right oblique) and Grant Anderson (right ankle) are also on the injured list. These injuries have put pressure on Milwaukee’s remaining relievers, which was evident on Monday when the Brewers squandered early leads of 4-0 and 5-1, tying the largest lead blown in a loss this season. After opener Jacob Misiorowski allowed one run in 4 and a third innings, the Phillies scored three runs against Nick Mears in the sixth inning, two against Miller in the eighth, and two against Abner Uribe in the ninth.The bullpen will have a well-deserved rest on Tuesday, as the Brewers have their first day off since August 14. Then, they will return to American Family Field on Wednesday to continue the series against the Phillies, leaders of the National League East, in what could be a preview of the playoffs.“You see 162 games, and your bullpen will fail you sometimes. It happens. Is it because of the long streak? I’m sure that doesn’t help,” Murphy commented.
Pat Murphy, Brewers Manager
The frustration of this long streak became evident in the ninth inning when the Phillies achieved their winning comeback with a controversial umpire’s decision. Uribe issued a walk to Kyle Schwarber to start the inning, then struck out Bryce Harper before getting to a 3-2 count against J.T. Realmuto. The next pitch was low and outside, and Realmuto tried to check his swing. After Realmuto was awarded first base, Murphy argued that the batter had completed the swing. Murphy was ejected from the game by first base umpire Jim Wolf, and then Brandon Marsh hit a run-scoring single to put Philadelphia ahead for good.“I would be lying to you if I told you that the last few days of this streak have been easy. But, at the same time, we have tomorrow off, in which I think we can recover as a team, and everyone will be ready to play,” Uribe said.
Abner Uribe, Brewers Pitcher
“Umpires have a difficult job. They have a difficult job. What I don’t like is when they are definitive that they got it right, and then I see what I see after the game, and you can see the barrel is out in front of his front leg. Tell me how the barrel can be out in front of his front leg at any time, and it not be a swing,” Murphy said.
Pat Murphy, Brewers Manager
