Milwaukee Brewers: Position-by-Position Matchups With The Dodgers

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MILWAUKEE, WI – OCTOBER 05: (L-R) Ryan Braun #8, Lorenzo Cain #6, and Christian Yelich #22 of the Milwaukee Brewers meet in the outfield during a pitching change in the seventh inning of Game Two of the National League Division Series against the Colorado Rockies at Miller Park on October 5, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

Milwaukee Brewers vs. Los Angeles Dodgers: Left Field

He’s certainly not the same player he was when the Brewers last made the playoffs, but Ryan Braun is still a major part of the lineup. A late-season surge helped his OPS reach .782, and he produced double-digit home runs (20) and steals (11). He also added five hits and a stolen base during the NLDS. Additionally, Braun plays a sneaky good left field, with above-average marks in both fielding percentage and defensive runs saved among left fielders.

For the Dodgers, it’s another platoon situation. Joc Pederson frequently starts against righties, while Chris Taylor mans left field against southpaws. Pederson quietly had a solid season, posting an .843 OPS with 25 home runs and 56 RBI. Taylor also found success this season as he bounced around from second base to shortstop to the outfield, posting a .775 OPS with 17 home runs and nine steals. They might not have the postseason experience Braun has, but it’s hard not to give the left field battle to Pederson and Taylor.

Advantage: Dodgers

Milwaukee Brewers vs. Los Angeles Dodgers: Center Field

This is a very intriguing matchup across the board. Lorenzo Cain was a major offseason acquisition for Milwaukee, and he paid off by getting on base nearly 40 percent of the time and swiping 30 bases. He also was one of the best defensive center fielders across all of baseball.

The Dodgers counter with young star Cody Bellinger. He certainly offers more power than Cain (25 homers, 28 doubles) and drove in more runs as well. However, his outfield defense is nowhere near as good as Cain’s, and his offensive upside certainly doesn’t overcome the deficit. Another point for Milwaukee!

Advantage: Brewers

Milwaukee Brewers vs. Los Angeles Dodgers: Right Field

We’ve investigated both sides of the argument for each position so far, but it’s no contest in right field. Christian Yelich is the National League MVP. No combination of Yasiel Puig and Matt Kemp can outperform him.

Advantage: Brewers

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