When Tobias Myers, a 25‑year‑old right‑hander from Atlanta, Georgia, was added to the roster, the Milwaukee Brewers sent a clear message: the team wants an arm that can do double duty in a seven‑game series.
The move was announced on Monday, October 13, 2025, at about 1:00 PM Central Time. In a press release streamed from American Family Field in Milwaukee, the club unveiled its 26‑man lineup for the National League Championship SeriesAmerican Family Field against the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers.
Why the Change Matters
Bradley–coached by Pat Murphy, the 66‑year‑old manager, the Brewers entered the NLCS with a bullpen that had shouldered most of the work in the Wild Card Series and the NLDS. Only one start of at least five innings had been logged in those two rounds – a five‑inning, zero‑run effort by Myers himself against the New York Mets on October 1.
By inserting Myers into the 12‑man pitching staff and dropping right‑handed reliever Nick Mears, the front office – led by president of baseball operations Matt Arnold – created flexibility. If the series stretches to six or seven games, Myers could swing between a short‑start and a high‑leverage relief role, something the Brewers lacked against Chicago.
Roster Snapshot
- Pitching staff (12): Myers, Freddy Peralta, Corbin Burnes, Kevin Gausman, Trevor Megill, Trevor Larnach, etc.
- Key position players: William Contreras (C), Andrew McCutchen (LF), Jake Bauers (1B), Joey Ortiz (2B), Brice Turang (SS).
- Designated hitters: Caleb Durbin, Andruw Monasterio.
The lineup reflects a blend of power (Contreras), veteran savvy (McCutchen) and speed (Turang). It also mirrors the club’s 97‑65 regular‑season record – the best in the majors – and a perfect 6‑0 head‑to‑head slate against the Dodgers.
How the Brewers Got Here
Milwaukee’s postseason journey started with a sweep of the Mets in the Wild Card Series (October 1‑2). The next round saw a gritty five‑game battle against the Cubs, culminating in a 3‑2 series win at Wrigley Field on October 11.
Those victories were built on aggressive bullpen usage. In the NLDS, the Brewers’ relievers logged more than 25 innings collectively, a pattern that prompted Arnold and Murphy to seek a more versatile fifth starter.
Reactions and Contradictions
Sports Illustrated’s exclusive report gave a detailed rationale for the Myers swap, citing the lack of a five‑plus‑inning starter. Yet an ESPN piece published the same day claimed the Brewers had actually kept Mears and added a different arm for the Dodgers.
Because MLB’s postseason roster rules allow a single replacement between series, both stories could technically coexist – if a clerical error occurred or if the club made a last‑minute tweak. As of now, the Brewers’ official roster lists Myers, not Mears.
What This Means for the NLCS
Game 1 kicks off at 8:08 PM CT on Monday, October 13, at American Family Field. The Dodgers, fresh off a 2024 World Series win and bolstered by Ohtani and Snell, will look to shake off the regular‑season drubbing.
If Myers can deliver a five‑inning start, the Brewers could rest a key reliever for later games, preserving their bullpen depth. If not, the team may lean on veteran arms like Corbin Burnes or Kevin Gausman to bridge the gap.
Financial and Fan Impact
Each home game nets the club roughly $3.5 million in additional revenue, a welcome boost for a franchise that posted a $128.7 million payroll this year. Over 25,000 season‑ticket holders will be watching, and regional broadcaster Bally Sports Wisconsin will carry the action alongside ESPN’s national feed.
Beyond the dollars, the roster tweak underscores how Milwaukee is willing to adapt on the fly to chase its first World Series title since 1982.
Looking Ahead
The NLCS could swing either way. Game 2 follows Tuesday, October 14, at 7:38 PM CT, and the series shifts to Dodger Stadium for Games 3‑5 (Oct 16‑18). If the series stretches, Games 6‑7 return to Milwaukee on Oct 19‑20.
Fans and analysts will be watching to see whether Myers becomes a surprise starter, a long‑relief workhorse, or simply a depth piece. Either way, the decision reflects a broader trend in baseball: the blurring line between starter and reliever in high‑stakes, short‑series baseball.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Brewers replace Nick Mears with Tobias Myers?
The club needed a pitcher who could log at least five innings in a start or provide long‑relief innings. Myers had shown that versatility in the Wild Card Series, while Mears is primarily a short‑leverage reliever.
How does the roster change affect the Brewers’ bullpen strategy?
With Myers potentially covering a starter’s workload, the Brewers can keep high‑leverage arms like Trevor Megill for later, high‑pressure innings, preserving depth for a seven‑game series.
What is the significance of the Brewers’ 6‑0 regular‑season record against the Dodgers?
It gives Milwaukee confidence that they can compete with the defending champions, but postseason pressure and the Dodgers’ reinforced roster could neutralize that advantage.
When and where are the NLCS games scheduled?
Game 1 starts Oct 13 at 8:08 PM CT in Milwaukee’s American Family Field. Games 2‑5 shift to Dodger Stadium (Oct 14‑18), with Games 6‑7, if needed, returning to Milwaukee on Oct 19‑20.
What financial impact will the NLCS have on the Brewers organization?
Each home game is projected to generate about $3.5 million in revenue, boosting the club’s bottom line beyond its $128.7 million payroll for 2025.
