Brewers' 2026 Opening Day rotation all but finalized after latest roster cuts

A couple of injuries have thrown the entire pitching staff into flux, but with time ticking, the Milwaukee Brewers made decisive roster choices that should give fans a moment to breathe, at least in regard to Opening Day.

Robert Gasser and Shane Drohan have not made the team's initial 26-man roster, while Easton McGee will take (what is effectively) Rob Zastryzny's spot in the bullpen. While some health issues remain unresolved, that means the Crews' Opening Day rotation will take this form:

Brewers' expected 2026 Opening Day rotation

1. Jacob Misiorowski (RHP)
2. Chad Patrick (RHP)
3. Kyle Harrison (LHP)
4. Brandon Woodruff (RHP)
5. Brandon Sproat (RHP)

There's always a chance that Gasser or Drohan could make their return to Milwaukee in short order, but this is certainly the most likely quintet the Brewers will roll out at the beginning of the 2026 season.

Brewers option Shane Drohan and Robert Gasser, offering positive message on other hurt starters

Misiorowski was always a lock for the starting five after his electric debut last season, and the team made his coronation official on Friday when they named him the Opening Day starter for 2026. It's some big shoes to fill, with a recent lineage that includes Corbin Burnes, Freddy Peralta, and Brandon Woodruff.

Speaking of Woodruff, the 33-year-old likely would have gotten the nod had he experienced a normal Spring Training. Rather, the Brewers smartly elected to slow-play his ramp-up to the 2026 season, and a so-so start against the Texas Rangers last Thursday wasn't the most promising tune-up for the regular season. Therefore, it appears Woody will assume a spot at the back-end of the Brewers' initial rotation, but the team seemingly believes he's healthy enough to pitch, after optioning prime depth in both Gasser and Drohan.

Likewise, Kyle Harrison has been tending to a blister issue, which isn't as serious of an injury but briefly put his Opening Day status in question. Fortunately, a recent bullpen session went well, and it's clear the team believes in their offseason acquisition enough to keep him around over an incumbent like Gasser.

Patrick, like Misiorowski, was a lock for the roster. If he does start the second game of the season, it'll be a bump in role out of necessity, but it's not as if the 27-year-old is out of his depth. He had a fantastic rookie campaign in 2025 (matching 3.53 ERA and FIP) and will be counted on to provide quality mid-rotation innings going forward.

Sproat is perhaps the biggest "surprise" among the group, though the fact that he made his MLB debut last season certainly helped his case as a member of the 40-man roster. He's got as much upside as anyone not named Misiorowski, though patience must be afforded to the 25-year-old right-hander.

As for the bullpen, McGee marks the fourth right-hander among the relief corps, joining Grant Anderson, Trevor Megill, and Abner Uribe. The left-handed quartet of Jared Koenig, Angel Zerpa, Aaron Ashby, and DL Hall will more than likely comprise the remainder of the Brewers' Opening Day pitching staff.