The Milwaukee Brewers and Toronto Blue Jays, having combined for 191 victories in the 2025 MLB season, are both in desperate need of wins as they open a three-game series on April 14, 2026, at American Family Field.
Why it matters: This series is a chance for both teams to regain momentum early in the 2026 season. With the Brewers and Blue Jays struggling, a few victories could shift their trajectories.
The Brewers started the 2026 season strong at 8-2 but are currently on a five-game losing streak, averaging just 2.4 runs per game during that stretch.
The Blue Jays, after a promising start at 3-0, have lost nine of their last 12 games, including a recent sweep by the Chicago White Sox.
Injuries are complicating matters for the Brewers, with key players Jackson Chourio and Christian Yelich sidelined due to hamstring injuries.
Driving the news: The series kicks off on April 14, 2026, with both teams looking to turn around their fortunes. Milwaukee's Jacob Misiorowski is set to take the mound against Toronto's Kevin Gausman.
Misiorowski has posted a 1-1 record with a 3.31 ERA, averaging 8.66 strikeouts per game in his first three starts.
Gausman, who has a 0-1 record and a 2.08 ERA, is averaging 9.3 strikeouts per game.
The matchup exciting, with both pitchers known for their strikeout capabilities.
State of play: As of April 14, 2026, the Brewers hold an 8-7 record, placing them 1.5 games behind the Pittsburgh Pirates in the National League Central standings.
The Pirates lead the division with a 10-6 record, followed closely by the Cincinnati Reds at 9-7.
The Blue Jays, on the other hand, are struggling in the American League East, sitting at 6-9 and 2.5 games behind the New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles, who both have records of 9-7.
The big picture: Both teams entered the season with high hopes, but their current form has raised questions about their playoff aspirations.
The Brewers' recent performance has been disappointing, particularly their offensive struggles, which have seen them score just five runs in four losses during the streak.
For the Blue Jays, the drop-off from their World Series contention last year to their current form is a stark reminder of the volatility in baseball.
With the season still young, both teams have time to recover, but they must capitalize on this series to build confidence.
What they're saying: Players and coaches from both teams are aware of the importance of this series.
"We need to find a way to get back on track," Brewers manager Craig Counsell said. "Every game counts, and we can't afford to let this slide continue."
Blue Jays manager John Schneider expressed a similar sentiment, emphasizing the need for his team to regain its early-season form: "We came out strong, and we need to find that spark again."
By the numbers: The statistics reveal the challenges both teams have faced recently.
During their five-game losing streak, the Brewers have averaged only 2.4 runs, a stark decline from their earlier offensive output.
The Blue Jays have struggled with consistency, managing to win only three of their last 12 games since their initial 3-0 start.
In their last series against the White Sox, the Blue Jays failed to score more than three runs in any game, highlighting their offensive woes.
What's next: The Brewers and Blue Jays will continue their series with games scheduled for April 15 and 16, 2026.
Game two on April 15 will see the Brewers’ second starter yet to be announced face off against Toronto’s Dylan Cease, who has a 0-0 record and a 2.45 ERA.
Game three on April 16 is set for 12:40 p.m. CT, with Milwaukee's starter also yet to be determined against Toronto's Patrick Corbin, who holds a 0-0 record but a concerning 9.00 ERA.
Fans can catch the action live on Brewers.TV and the Brewers Radio Network, with the series promising to be a turning point for both teams.
As the Brewers and Blue Jays clash in this important series, both teams hope to shake off their recent struggles and find the path to victory, making these matchups a must-watch for baseball fans.