The Milwaukee Brewers are making strategic adjustments in their lineup as they prepare for Game 4 of the National League Division Series against the San Diego Padres, following a narrow 4-3 loss that cut their series lead to 2-1.
Why it matters: The Brewers are looking to regain momentum after a tough Game 3. Christian Yelich's strong performance could be key to advancing in the postseason.
Yelich notched his first postseason RBI since Game 7 of the 2018 NL Championship Series with a clutch hit in Game 3.
The Brewers need to capitalize on Yelich's resurgence as other players struggle against the Padres' pitching staff.
Milwaukee aims to close out the series before it goes to a decisive Game 5.
Driving the news: In Game 3 on October 6, 2026, the Brewers missed opportunities to extend their lead, leaving 11 men on base. They had the bases loaded with two outs in the fifth inning but failed to score more runs.
Brice Turang, who had an 0-for-10 start in the series, finally got a hit, ending a long slump that saw him go 2-for-40 (.050) over his last 11 postseason games.
Yelich, batting .400 (4-for-10) in the series, has been a bright spot for the team, hitting line drives at a 55.3% rate.
The Brewers lost Game 3, allowing the Padres to stay alive in the best-of-five series.
The big picture: Yelich's performance has shifted the narrative around him following a challenging regular season where he finished with a .235 batting average and a career-worst strikeout rate of 27%.
He was named the first-ever team captain in Brewers history and is now showing signs of his former MVP self.
Through three games of the NLDS, Yelich has posted a 1.000 OPS and a 185 wRC+, significantly improving from his regular-season numbers.
His clutch RBI single in Game 3 came off a 100 mph fastball, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure.
What they're saying: After the Game 3 loss, Yelich expressed frustration but remained optimistic about the team's chances. "You just want to get back out there and win tomorrow," he said.
Brewers hitting coach Eric Theisen praised Yelich's approach at the plate, noting the quality of his at-bats.
Turang acknowledged the need for a stronger performance, stating, "We’ve got to focus on winning tomorrow. I trust everybody in this locker room."
Manager Pat Murphy's decision to move Yelich up in the lineup reflects confidence in his current form.
By the numbers: Yelich's postseason statistics highlight his turnaround.
Yelich's .400 batting average in the series contrasts sharply with his regular-season struggles.
He has recorded hits in all three NLDS games, including two in the latest matchup.
In Game 3, he hit a hard line drive at 107.2 mph, showing his ability to make solid contact.
What's next: The Brewers will look to secure the series in Game 4 on October 7, 2026, with left-hander Robert Gasser on the mound.
Gasser is expected to have a short leash against the Padres, who counter with right-hander Walker Buehler.
Yelich will bat second in the lineup, a notable shift from his previous lower batting order positions during the regular season.
A win would send the Brewers to the next round, avoiding a potential Game 5 back in Milwaukee.