The Milwaukee Brewers are looking to shake off a rough series opener as they turn to left-hander Kyle Harrison for game two against the San Diego Padres on Saturday night. Harrison, making his second start since returning from the injured list, hopes to replicate the success he found against this same Padres lineup back in May.
Harrison threw five shutout innings on May 14, allowing just five hits while striking out seven. His most recent outing last Wednesday also lasted five innings, but it was the way he dominated that stood out. He struck out 10 batters, allowed only one hit and one walk, and retired eight straight on strikeouts before cramps cut his night short.
The Brewers bullpen continued its revolving-door dance just hours before first pitch. Bryse Wilson is back on the roster, three days after being designated for assignment and one day after electing free agency. He signed a one-year contract and will be available out of the bullpen. To clear space, right-hander Lyon Richardson was designated for assignment. Meanwhile, lefty Drew Rom was claimed off waivers by the Athletics.
San Diego counters with right-hander Walker Buehler, who carries a 5.07 ERA and 4.37 FIP across 23 starts and 108 1/3 innings this season. He has 95 strikeouts against 45 walks. In his last start against the Diamondbacks, Buehler lasted only four innings, allowing one run while striking out three. The Brewers missed him earlier in the year and last faced him in 2024 when he pitched for the Dodgers. In three career starts against Milwaukee, he owns a 2.93 ERA with a .211 batting average allowed over 15 1/3 innings.
Injuries have forced some unconventional alignment on the infield. Brice Turang will make his first start at shortstop since 2023, shifting over from second base. Jihwan Bae, called up for his first Brewers start, will man second and bat ninth. Jackson Chourio, Garrett Mitchell, and Jake Bauers occupy the second through fourth spots in the order. William Contreras and Christian Yelich move up to fifth and sixth, with Luis Lara and David Hamilton rounding out the lineup. Joey Ortiz gets another day of rest, though he was available if needed on Friday.
Before the game, manager Pat Murphy offered an update on shortstop prospect Cooper Pratt, who is recovering from a hamstring injury. Murphy said Pratt is making solid progress and is expected to return in late August.
First pitch is scheduled for 8:40 p.m. Central, airing on Brewers.TV and the Brewers Radio Network.
