Milwaukee Brewers set to regain massive lift before playoffs begin

Rodney Knuppel

Milwaukee Brewers set to regain massive lift before playoffs begin image

The Milwaukee Brewers may be getting a key weapon back at the perfect time. Closer Trevor Megill, who’s been sidelined for over a month with a right flexor strain, is pushing to return for the postseason, and he could even get a test run in Sunday’s regular-season finale against the Cincinnati Reds.

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Megill hasn’t pitched since August 24, and his absence left the Brewers without their All-Star stopper during the final stretch of the season. Before landing on the injured list, he had been a force at the back of the bullpen, racking up 30 saves with a 2.54 ERA. But his final appearances before the injury were shaky, with three blown saves in four outings.

His progress

On Friday, Megill faced hitters in a simulated game and came away encouraged. The Brewers’ staff now wants to see him throw in live action, even if it’s just to one or two batters, before making final roster decisions for the Division Series.

Manager Pat Murphy said Megill doesn’t need to pitch Sunday to secure his spot, but added that seeing him against real competition would provide valuable clarity. “It’ll help him, and it’ll help us,” Murphy said.

Megill isn’t the only Brewer working his way back. Veteran left-hander Jose Quintana also pitched in Friday’s sim game as he recovers from a calf strain and is expected to be ready for October.

For Milwaukee, who locked up the NL Central, getting Megill healthy would be a massive boost. If the 6-foot-8 righty can regain his early-season form, the Brewers’ bullpen instantly becomes one of the most dangerous units in the playoff field.

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Rodney Knuppel

Rodney Knuppel is a freelance writer for The Sporting News. When not watching, listening or writing about sports, Rodney enjoys following the travels of his three kids, who are all active in their own sports and activities. A huge St. Louis Cardinals fan, Rodney also enjoys St. Louis Blues hockey and is a big Kansas Jayhawks basketball fan.