When it became clear that the Milwaukee Brewers were indeed still a powerhouse, the logical thing to do was to identify their biggest obstacle in a potential National League Championship Series rematch versus the Los Angeles Dodgers. The starting pitching rotation jumped out as a long-term concern when Brandon Woodruff suffered a devastating shoulder injury and only intensified when Kyle Harrison plummeted in the second half of the season. Those questions still remain, and yet, an elite bullpen is taking it upon itself to provide concrete answers during the 2026 MLB playoffs.

The Brewers overcame an abbreviated outing from presumptive NL Cy Young Jacob Misiorowski, as their relief unit suffocated the Dodgers in a 2-1 victory on Sunday night. Manager Pat Murphy trusted the core of his pen to secure a series-opening victory in American Family Field. DL Hall finished out the fifth inning, Abner Uribe handled the sixth, Aaron Ashby locked down the seventh and eighth and closer Trevor Megill successfully weathered turbulence in the final frame.

There may come a time in this NLCS when the Brewers relievers wear down, but Murphy is heavily relying on them right now. The numbers support his faith.

Milwaukee's pen owns a sterling 0.38 ERA through 23 2/3 innings pitched this postseason and has surrendered a meager .163 batting average against, as noted by USA TODAY's Bob Nightengale. Ashby has served the workhorse role, tossing 7 2/3 scoreless innings, and Megill, Uribe and Hall also sport unblemished ERAs.

The Brewers are receiving a major boost from their pen

Despite having similar weapons in their respective pitching tool boxes, the hurlers who comprise this history-making bullpen thrive by attacking different areas of the strike zone.

“Everyone down there throws a sinker,” Aaron Ashby said, per Nightengale. “Getting the ball on the ground certainly helps limiting damage. And everyone’s got a swing-and-miss pitch to offer. So, it helps when you have swing-and-miss stuff in the postseason…. I just think we have a great combination and variety.”

Relievers frequently determine the outcome of a playoff series, but a starting rotation generally has to set the tone. The Brewers obviously want more length from Misiorowski if they can get it, but they clearly have the option of rolling out a slew of arms who can flourish with runners on base.

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It is fair to wonder how long such an approach can work against a Dodgers lineup brimming with star power. Trevor Megill walked two batters before getting Mookie Betts to fly out in the ninth. He may not be able to walk the tightrope again next time. Murphy understands that everyone has their limits, but he is not going to ignore what is presently an undeniable strength.

“I don't know how you could get more out of them,” the two-time NL Manager of the Year said. “We're squeezing everything we can, and they just get better and more confident. They're making pitches and pick each other up.”

Rookie right-handed starter Logan Henderson will do everything possible to lighten the relievers' workload in Game 2 of the NLCS. But be prepared to see plenty of activity in the pen. First pitch will take place on Monday at approximately 5 p.m. ET.