Milwaukee Brewers: Fresh bullpen for Game 7 of NLCS

After an exciting game six victory for the Milwaukee Brewers over the L.A. Dodgers, the Milwaukee Brewers will enter the NLCS series finale with a fresh Jeremy Jeffress and Corey Knebel. Most importantly, they’ll have a well rested Josh Hader.

Through the first five games of the series, to the surprise of many, the Milwaukee Brewers were led by their starting rotation while the offense struggled to get on base and produce runs.

But in Game 6 the Brewer bats got hot as they scored seven runs, including four in the first inning that all but crushed any hopes the Dodgers had of winning last night.

Obviously a positive from this game was that the bats started producing but another element that could play a key role in game seven is that manager Craig Counsell had the luxury to minimize the usage of his big arms in the bullpen, which could be the difference maker in tonight’s game seven.

Jeremy Jeffress and Corey Knebel

Although Jeremy Jeffress and Corey Knebel appeared in game six, both will be available to pitch in Game 7 and shouldn’t be too fatigued. Due to the fact that Milwaukee had a comfortable lead, Counsell didn’t have to use Jeffress and Knebel as heavily as what may have been anticipated.

Knebel stepped in to relieve starting pitcher Wade Miley in the fifth inning. Knebel threw 1.2 innings, facing six batters and didn’t allow any hits or runs while striking out two.

While on the mound, Knebel did end up throwing 25 pitches but given the circumstances of a win or go home game, he will be available for Counsell to use in Game 7 and should still be relatively fresh.

Jeremy Jeffress then followed after Knebel and looked like the Jeffress from the regular season. During this postseason he has struggled to get batters out and has allowed a number of runs.

However in game six, Jeffress’ command was much improved and he was able to work through a clean inning of action and threw just 13 pitches. He too will be available and primed for a Game 7 appearance.

Josh Hader

Perhaps the biggest take away from game six was the fact that the Milwaukee Brewers didn’t have to use Josh Hader at all. Unlike Jeffress and Knebel, Hader doesn’t function as well on back to back games and having to perform in game six, could have drastically hindered him in game seven.

Like most of the season, Hader has been brilliant this NLCS against the Dodgers. He has made three appearances covering 4.2 innings and has given up four hits, no runs, no walks, and has struck out eight batters.

Hader last pitched on October 16th, giving him three full days of rest in between appearances. When Hader has been able to get three full days off, he has been at his best this season.

Over the regular season, Hader has faced 60 batters over 17.1 innings pitched and has been absolutely dominant. He’s allowed just three hits, five walks, three runs and has struck out 25 when working on three days of rest.

The Milwaukee Brewers would have done anything to win game six, but because of the offense’s great performance they didn’t have to. And keeping the bullpen usage down could turn out to be the key to winning game seven.

Craig Counsell will lean on the best arms in his bullpen for game seven just as he has done all season long, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.