Brewers' 2026 closer situation has surprisingly seen another torch pass

At the start of the 2026 season, the Milwaukee Brewers returned the ball to Trevor Megill in the ninth inning for save opportunities. Megill, a 2025 All-Star who saved 30 games a year ago, had previously lost that role in September of last year after suffering a flexor strain. Upon his return, Megill was utilized as a bridge to Abner Uribe in the postseason.

Unfortunately, Megill's 2026 season got off to a rough start, perhaps in part due to lingering effects of his late-season injury. His ERA soared above 14.00 in mid-April after two rough outings during which he surrendered a combined seven earned runs. Even more concerning than the results, however, was a noticeable dip in velocity, as his fastball was registering several ticks lower than usual. That development raised questions about the health of his elbow and whether he would be able to regain his previous form.

Those factors prompted manager Pat Murphy to temporarily turn to Uribe in the closer's role while Megill worked through his inconsistency. Although Uribe hasn't quite replicated the dominant form he displayed in 2025, when he posted a stellar 1.67 ERA and held opponents to a .194 batting average, he has still been a reliable late-inning option. Across his appearances this season, Uribe owns a 3.51 ERA with eight holds, five saves, and a .208 batting average against.

Over time, however, Megill has quietly reclaimed the closer's role, and what's more encouraging is that his velocity has steadily climbed back toward its normal levels in recent appearances -- a sign that both his health and effectiveness are trending in the right direction.

After early season struggles and velocity concerns, Trevor Megill is back in the closers role for the Milwaukee Brewers

Although the Brewers have recorded just two saves during the month of June, their bullpen usage makes it clear that Megill has reclaimed the closer's role. One of those saves came just last night in the Brewers' series-opening win over the Cleveland Guardians. The other was earned by Chad Patrick in extra innings during a wild 15-14 game in Las Vegas against the Athletics.

However, Megill has recently been Murphy's preferred option when the game is on the line and the Brewers' manager has a fully rested bullpen. Whether it's being used to keep the game close or finish off a contest, Megill has clearly regained a leg up on Uribe, who hasn't seen a save opportunity since May 19.

Beyond the save totals, the most encouraging development for Megill has been the return of his velocity. In each of his last three appearances, his average fastball velocity has checked in at either 98 or 99 mph, a noticeable jump from his 97 mph season average.

Considering the concerns surrounding his diminished velocity earlier in the year, seeing those readings trend back toward their usual levels is a positive sign. At this stage of the season, it suggests Megill is regaining strength and moving closer to the form that made him one of baseball's most effective relievers in recent seasons.

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