Image Source: Brew Crew Ball
Pirates vs Brewers action returns to Milwaukee on Monday night, with the Brewers beginning a pivotal four-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates immediately after the 2026 MLB trade deadline. The opener is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. CT, just 100 minutes after the deadline passes at 5 p.m. CT.
The matchup launches a seven-game homestand for Milwaukee. After hosting Pittsburgh, the Brewers will welcome the Minnesota Twins for an interleague series over the weekend. The latest standings information lists Milwaukee at 69-42 and Pittsburgh at 56-57, creating a meaningful NL Central test for both clubs.
Why the Pirates vs Brewers Series Matters
Pittsburgh has controlled the season series so far, winning five of six games against Milwaukee. That run includes a three-game sweep just before the All-Star break. However, the teams have moved in opposite directions since returning from the break.
The Brewers have gone 10-5 since the All-Star break, while the Pirates have posted a 6-10 record. Milwaukee will look to turn that recent momentum into a breakthrough against a divisional opponent that has caused problems all season.
The trade deadline adds another layer of intrigue. Milwaukee has recently added pitching depth, acquiring Dustin May and JoJo Romero from the St. Louis Cardinals and reliever Antonio Senzatela from the Colorado Rockies, according to the latest Brew Crew Ball updates. Those moves could become important during a long homestand and the upcoming playoff race.
Powerful Offenses Set the Stage
Jake Bauers has been one of Milwaukee’s most productive hitters, reaching 20 home runs over the weekend. The first baseman is batting .270 with a .373 on-base percentage and a .504 slugging percentage.
Brice Turang has also delivered a strong season, hitting .271/.364/.463 with 16 home runs. Jackson Chourio, William Contreras, Garrett Mitchell, Christian Yelich, Andrew Vaughn, Cooper Pratt, and Luis Lara have provided additional production throughout the lineup.
As a team, Milwaukee is hitting .253/.337/.399, good for a .736 OPS that ranks seventh in the majors. The Brewers have scored 555 runs and stolen 111 bases, although their 101 home runs remain the lowest total in baseball. That combination of contact, speed, and run prevention has kept Milwaukee firmly in contention.
Pittsburgh owns a .751 team OPS, ranking third. Brandon Lowe leads the Pirates with 23 home runs, 25 doubles, 71 RBIs, and 68 runs scored. Nick Gonzales has been a standout contact hitter, leading the club with 127 hits while batting .312.
Bryan Reynolds, Esmerlyn Valdez, and Spencer Horwitz have also reached double-digit home run totals. The Pirates have produced 578 runs and 139 homers, giving them a dangerous lineup despite injuries to Ryan O’Hearn and Oneil Cruz.
Critical Pitching Matchups
- Monday: Brandon Sproat vs. Bubba Chandler at 6:40 p.m. CT.
- Tuesday: Logan Henderson vs. Jared Jones at 6:40 p.m. CT.
- Wednesday: Milwaukee starter to be determined vs. Paul Skenes at 6:40 p.m. CT.
- Thursday: Shane Drohan vs. Braxton Ashcraft at 1:10 p.m. CT.
Logan Henderson is the Brewers’ most compelling early-series arm. He enters Tuesday with a 5-1 record, a 2.66 ERA, and a 2.80 FIP across nine starts this season. In his previous outing, Henderson held the San Francisco Giants scoreless for 5⅔ innings while striking out seven.
Milwaukee’s pitching staff ranks second in baseball with a 3.48 ERA. The starting rotation has posted a 3.36 ERA, the best mark in the majors, while the bullpen owns a 3.64 ERA. Abner Uribe, Trevor Megill, Chad Patrick, and DL Hall have been among the club’s most reliable arms.
Pittsburgh counters with several talented starters, including Paul Skenes. The 24-year-old right-hander has a 3.90 ERA, a 2.91 FIP, and 156 strikeouts in 124⅔ innings. Although he has allowed 10 runs across his last two starts, Skenes remains one of the toughest pitchers in the league.
Jared Jones has also bounced back well after missing all of 2025. He recorded a 2.00 ERA and 33 strikeouts across five starts in July. Braxton Ashcraft has contributed a 3.96 ERA and 140 strikeouts through 22 starts.
How to Watch the Brewers and Pirates
Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday’s games will air on Brewers TV, with radio coverage available through the Brewers Radio Network, including 620 WTMJ in Milwaukee. Wednesday’s matchup will be broadcast exclusively on ESPN and the ESPN App.
With recent form favoring Milwaukee but the season series belonging decisively to Pittsburgh, this homestand opener carries plenty of pressure. The Brewers will try to use their elite pitching and improved health to finally solve the Pirates.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Pirates vs Brewers series begin?
The four-game series begins Monday, August 3, 2026, at 6:40 p.m. CT in Milwaukee.
Who is scheduled to pitch the series opener?
Milwaukee is scheduled to start Brandon Sproat, while Pittsburgh is expected to send Bubba Chandler to the mound.
When will Paul Skenes pitch?
Paul Skenes is scheduled to start for Pittsburgh on Wednesday, August 5.
How have the teams performed since the All-Star break?
The Brewers have gone 10-5 since the break, while the Pirates have gone 6-10.
