2026 Playoff predictions, roster/rotation configuration etc.

[jay87shot]

With yesterday being win 90, I think it is safe to say we are locked into a playoff spot. Hopefully we can continue to play well and get the #1 seed and further increase our World Series odds. We are currently 1.5 games ahead of the Dodgers and 4.5 ahead of the Braves for the 1st seed. The Cubs are 9 games back with 16 to play so I don't think me saying that we pretty much have the division wrapped up is going to catch an issue. 

1) The playoff rotation behind Misi and Henderson is probably the biggest question mark at this point.

2) The last couple bullpen spots also are up for debate. Which current pitcher gets the chop from the playoff roster.

3) Setting up the rotation for the playoffs, hopefully we just keep in 1st and get the bye so Murph doesn't have to manipulate Misi or Henderson to much. That being said it would be nice to give each guy a little extra rest/ease there load knowing both are young and going to be asked alot in October.

4) Batting rotations, this hasn't really been an issue as Murph has use Joey, Pratt, and Hamilton well at SS/3B and Lara, Mitchell, and Sal in CF/RF. 

5) Preferred opponents or relevant matchup thoughts

Anything else to discuss? 

[jay87shot]

1) I think the rotation is likely Misi, Henderson, Bullpen game (assuming Misi and Henderson don't go short), May.

I could see Drohan, Gasser, or Harrison putting together a couple good starts and being the 4th starter in place of the bullpen game. Obviously how game 1 and 2 go would have a big part in who pitches game 3/4 as well.

2-4)I really don't have any worries or concerns on any of these points, we are deep enough from a roster stand point that the last pitching spot hopefully would matter much so whomever is throwing the worst will likely just be the easiest guy to leave off. 

5) I always prefer to play and beat the Cubs but they are dangerous especially if they can get something out of there bullpen. I don't like how we have played the Padres and Braves, they are scary with the bullpens and quality vets but I think both have enough rotation questions that we could win. The Phillies or D-backs aren't really a concern even though the Phillies have the roster to make a run. Then obviously there is the Dodgers the Yamamoto, Skubal, Snell, and Glasnow rotation is just daunting, after that I think we matchup well. Our small ball approach is what we need to utilize to beat that rotation and we have played the Dodgers well except for the playoff sweep last year.

[Brewcrew82]

For NLDS:

C: Contreras, Sanchez, Naylor

IF: Bauers, Vaughn, Turang, Pratt, Ortiz, Hamilton

OF: Chourio, Mitchell, Lara, Frelick

DH: Yelich

SP: Miz, Hendo, Harrison OR Gasser, May

RP: Megill, Uribe, Ashby, Hall, Patrick, Jo Jo, Drohan, Senzatela

vs. RHP:                                 

1. Turang 2B

2. Chourio LF

3. Bauers RF

4. Contreras C

5. Yelich DH

6. Vaughn 1B

7. Mitchell CF

8. Ortiz 3B

9. Pratt SS

vs. LHP

1. Chourio LF

2. Vaughn 1B

3. Contreras C

4. Bauers RF

5. Sanchez DH

6. Ortiz 3B

7. Turang 2B

8. Lara CF

9. Pratt SS

 

[Brewcrew82]

33 minutes ago, Brewcrew82 said:

For NLDS:

C: Contreras, Sanchez, Naylor

IF: Bauers, Vaughn, Turang, Pratt, Ortiz, Hamilton

OF: Chourio, Mitchell, Lara, Frelick

DH: Yelich

SP: Miz, Hendo, Harrison OR Gasser, May

RP: Megill, Uribe, Ashby, Hall, Patrick, Jo Jo, Senzatela, Harrison OR Gasser

vs. RHP:                                 

1. Turang 2B

2. Chourio LF

3. Bauers RF

4. Contreras C

5. Yelich DH

6. Vaughn 1B

7. Mitchell CF

8. Ortiz 3B

9. Pratt SS

vs. LHP

1. Chourio LF

2. Vaughn 1B

3. Contreras C

4. Bauers RF

5. Sanchez DH

6. Ortiz 3B

7. Turang 2B

8. Lara CF

9. Pratt SS

 

14 position players. 12 pitchers. Same as last year. No need for additional pitchers in a 5 game series. 

Position player spots are as straightforward as it gets. Identical 14 as are on the roster currently. Naylor has an overwhelming advantage for the last spot (likely over Lockridge) as his presence allows them to play Contreras and Sanchez together and then pinch run for one or both late in games. In terms of the starting lineup, only real questions are Vaughn starting against RHP and Bauers in the OF vs. Vaughn on the bench against RHP and Frelick/Lara in the OF. Unless Frelick shows tangible signs of life with the bat in the next couple weeks, I would lean towards Vaughn at 1B and Bauers in RF against both sides. Defense is a real concern though with Miz and Hendo both being flyball pitchers. 

As for the pitching staff, the picture gets slightly more blurry. I also have the same 12 as are on the roster currently (minus Sproat). But a couple of those spots are tenuous. One is obviously Harrison. I still have him starting (or at least opening) game 3 but I desperately need to see increased signs of life from him over the next few weeks. If he continues to bleed runs and long balls, I would very much trend to leaving him off the roster altogether and install Gasser in his place as an opener. I'm curious to see Sproat pitch, because if he looks improved out of the pen like I think he might he could also take Harrison's roster spot. May's rotation spot is also relatively tenuous, but I have more confidence in him as at least an opener given his stuff and experience. 

In the pen, Senzatela holds a clear lead over Grant Anderson for the last spot because he doesn't completely suck against left handed hitters. Still leaving the door slightly ajar for Wagoner, but he needs to pitch on a major league mound first and time is basically expired.

[Brewcrew82]

8 hours ago, Brewcrew82 said:

I'm curious to see Sproat pitch, because if he looks improved out of the pen like I think he might he could also take Harrison's roster spot.

Yeah, this is not going to happen lol

[owbc]

2 hours ago, Brewcrew82 said:

Yeah, this is not going to happen lol

Cross him off the list 🤣 

 Personally I hate scheduled bullpen games in the postseason. I’m fine with a short start (2x through order) but burning most of our stretch arms in a scheduled game weakens our ability to win a game later in the series where we have to make an unexpected early pitching change or a game that goes 12-13+ innings. 

So I would do a true 4 man rotation with Gasser/Harrison being the game 3 starter and going to the bullpen after 4-5 innings. Right now Gasser has the edge there but one solid Harrison start would change my mind. 

It took us a while to get there but I feel pretty good about the batting order these days. I’m in the Naylor camp as well for the last roster spot.