Image Source: MLB.com
Jacob Misiorowski is preparing to meet Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers with the same fearless plan that has made him one of baseball’s most dominant pitchers in 2026: throw his fastball and challenge every hitter.
The Milwaukee Brewers right-hander will face Ohtani on Saturday afternoon at Dodger Stadium in a compelling rematch between two of the game’s biggest power threats. Ohtani has homered against Misiorowski during his career, while the pitcher has also answered by striking out the Dodgers star.
Jacob Misiorowski Brings Explosive Heat Against Ohtani
There will be little mystery when the two players meet again. Ohtani will be looking to attack, and Misiorowski expects to come directly at him with his best pitch.
“He knows what I’m going to do. I’m going to throw a heater,” Misiorowski said, according to MLB.com. “He’s going to hit it or he’s not going to hit it. We’re going to see.”
That approach reflects the confidence behind Misiorowski’s remarkable season. Rather than adjusting his strategy for a famous opponent, he plans to trust the fastball that has overwhelmed hitters across the National League.
“I’m going to go out there and do my thing,” Misiorowski said. “I’m not going to change it for the dude that’s in the box.”
Historic Numbers Fuel a Powerful Cy Young Case
As he prepares for his 23rd start of the 2026 season, Misiorowski leads MLB in several major pitching categories. His numbers place him at the center of the National League Cy Young Award conversation and make Saturday’s matchup even more significant.
- 1.76 ERA, the best mark in MLB
- 204 strikeouts, also the Major League lead
- 0.74 WHIP, showing exceptional control and contact suppression
- .147 opponents’ batting average, the lowest mark in the league
Those figures have turned Misiorowski into a leading contender in a crowded Cy Young race. The field also includes the Atlanta Braves’ Chris Sale, the Cincinnati Reds’ Chase Burns, the Philadelphia Phillies’ Cristopher Sánchez and Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
Misiorowski’s dominance has been especially striking because his game is built around attacking hitters. His high-velocity fastball creates difficult decisions at the plate, and his willingness to challenge batters has allowed him to maintain an extraordinary strikeout rate while limiting baserunners.
Dodger Stadium Rematch Carries Postseason Meaning
This will be only Misiorowski’s second career start against the Dodgers. In his previous start against Los Angeles, he outdueled Clayton Kershaw at American Family Field last July.
He has also appeared at Dodger Stadium before, making a memorable relief appearance in Game 3 of last year’s National League Championship Series. Misiorowski delivered five quality innings and struck out nine during a series of electric postseason outings.
That postseason run followed a difficult finish to the regular season, when Misiorowski struggled in the starting rotation. Instead of allowing that stretch to define him, he used the playoff success as a foundation for his breakout 2026 campaign.
“That was the real turning point last year,” Misiorowski said. “I went through the struggles at the end of the year and really battled through it. Then the postseason rolled around, I had the success, and kind of brought it into this year.”
Why This Matchup Could Be Season-Defining
The contest offers a sharp contrast in styles. Ohtani represents elite offensive power and can change a game with one swing. Misiorowski represents overwhelming velocity, strikeout ability and a willingness to challenge even the most dangerous hitters.
For the Brewers, a strong start would further validate Misiorowski as a dependable ace and strengthen Milwaukee’s position in the National League race. For the Dodgers, success against him would provide another major test for an already potent lineup.
The matchup could also influence the Cy Young conversation. While one start will not decide the award, a dominant performance against Ohtani and the Dodgers would add another impressive chapter to Misiorowski’s campaign.
Most importantly, the meeting offers baseball fans a direct look at two extraordinary talents. Ohtani has already shown that he can beat Misiorowski, but the pitcher has demonstrated that he can answer back. With both stars familiar with the challenge, Saturday’s showdown promises intensity from the first pitch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jacob Misiorowski facing?
Jacob Misiorowski is scheduled to face Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
What are Misiorowski’s 2026 statistics?
Entering his 23rd start, Misiorowski leads MLB with a 1.76 ERA, 204 strikeouts, a 0.74 WHIP and a .147 opponents’ batting average.
Has Shohei Ohtani homered against Misiorowski?
Yes. Ohtani has homered against Misiorowski, although Misiorowski has also struck out the Dodgers star during their career meetings.
Why is Misiorowski in the Cy Young conversation?
His league-leading ERA, strikeout total, WHIP and opponents’ average have made him one of the leading National League Cy Young Award contenders.
