Milwaukee Brewers: Clinched playoffs, now what?

The Milwaukee Brewers have clinched a playoff spot for the first time since 2011. They’re guaranteed a spot in the Wild Card game, so what happens next?

The Milwaukee Brewers are still one half game behind the Chicago Cubs for the division. The Brewers have three games to play, and the Cubs have four games left. What should their strategy be moving forward?

What are the current odds for the NL Central?

After the Milwaukee Brewers win over the St. Louis Cardinals, their chances of winning the division went up to 45.9%, but the Chicago Cubs were still playing the Pittsburgh Pirates. After the Cubs game went final, the Brewers odds went down to 33.0%.

Should the Brewers ‘pack it in’?

It’s common for teams that have clinched a playoff spot to send out bench lineups, take starters out early, and rest pitchers. The Milwaukee Brewers can’t do that just yet. Until the Brewers are mathematically eliminated, they have to keep using their regulars.

Giving their bullpen or starting outfield a few days off could help if the team has to play in the Wild Card game, but the division isn’t settled yet. Until that happens, Christian Yelich, Lorenzo Cain, Josh Hader, and Jeremy Jeffress can’t take a day off just yet.

Second champagne celebration?

It’s possible. The Milwaukee Brewers popped bottles in St. Louis after sweeping the Cardinals, and earning a playoff spot. They could earn themselves a second celebration with a division title. That would make for two ‘team meetings’ in fewer than five days. It’s been that kind of year.

The Milwaukee Brewers played a fantastic series, and have enjoyed an excellent season. However, they still have a lot of work left to do. The NL Central still isn’t decided, the Wild Card game is looming, and they may even have to play a tiebreaker…and all that will happen before the Division Series starts. Enjoy tonight, but the coming week will be an absolute roller coaster.