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The Milwaukee Brewers will face off against the San Diego Padres on Saturday night.
Sep 20, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Milwaukee Brewers right fielder Sal Frelick walks to the dugout after grounding into a force out during the third inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
Mandatory Credit: James A. Pittman-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connectwill kick off their 2026 playoff run on Saturday against the San Diego Padres as the National League Division Series kicks off. The first pitch between Milwaukee and San Diego will be thrown at 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday night. It will be, there aren't a lot of decisions that need to be made heading into the contest.
The Brewers are healthy, for the most part, and should be very close to full strength. , but Brewers manager Pat Murphy made it clear that the expectation is that the young infielder is going to be just fine for the series. With Game 1 nearing, the one decision the Brewers will have to make is who plays right field? Do you roll with Sal Frelick or Luis Lara?
Or, do you slot inat first base? The Padres are rolling with Robbie Ray on the hill in Game 1, who is a lefty. Sep 17, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Luis Lara and Brewers interpreter Daniel de Mondesert are interviewed on the MLB Network before the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park.
Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connectis a lefty bat, Lara is a switch-hitter and Bauers is a lefty. It's important to note that Bauers is the Brewers' top power threat. He led the league with 26 home runs in 2026. While he struggled down the stretch, the Brewers need Bauers in the lineup.
He slashed .215/.388/.400 in his final 21 games with three homers. He got on base at a high clip, but he slowed down from a power standpoint. But, still, this is a guy you need in the lineup. For Game 1, the best spot would be at first base.since Sep. 19, due to illness.
He should be good to go for the playoffs, but Milwaukee should ease him in. So, place Bauers at first base and then either Frelick or Lara in right field. Neither Frelick, nor Lara, was red-hot down the stretch. Frelick batted .178 in his final 16 games of the season.
Lara batted .188 in his final 17 games. Arguably, Lara should be in the lineup in Game 1 because he's a switch-hitter. In the playoffs, matchups are even more important. Lara can give the Brewers another right-handed bat to slot in against Ray.
Plus, of course, he's elite defensively. Patrick McAvoy's experiences include local and national sports coverage at the New England Sports Network with a focus on baseball and basketball. Outside of journalism, Patrick received an MBA at Brandeis University. For all business/marketing inquiries regarding "Milwaukee Brewers On SI," please reach out to Scott Neville: scott@moreviewsmedia.com
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