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The Brewers schedule delivered a major surprise Sunday when Christian Yelich was left out of Milwaukee’s starting lineup for Game 1 of the National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The decision raised immediate questions, especially after Yelich had delivered a productive performance during the Brewers’ National League Division Series against the San Diego Padres.
Milwaukee ultimately defeated Los Angeles, 2-1, but the absence of one of the team’s most recognizable hitters became the leading storyline before the first pitch. Manager Pat Murphy explained that the choice was driven primarily by the matchup against Dodgers left-hander Tarik Skubal.
Brewers Schedule Brings a Surprising Yelich Decision
Murphy said the Brewers were focused on selecting the lineup that gave them the best chance to succeed at the beginning of the game. Rather than automatically inserting Yelich into the designated hitter spot, Milwaukee turned to Andrew Vaughn, a right-handed hitter who has traditionally performed well against left-handed pitching.
“It’s about our team and what’s best for our team today,” Murphy said before the game, according to MLB.com. “You kind of look at matchups and you look at history, and you look at how the guy pitches a guy potentially and what it could bring.”
Vaughn posted an .834 OPS across 331 regular-season plate appearances. His production against left-handers was particularly notable, as he recorded a .336/.421/.517 slash line in those situations. However, his career results against Skubal had been less impressive, with a .488 OPS over 23 plate appearances.
Powerful Platoon Strategy Shapes Milwaukee’s Lineup
The Brewers’ decision was also influenced by their defensive options. In a normal regular-season situation, Murphy could have started Vaughn at first base, shifted Jake Bauers to right field and used Yelich as the designated hitter. That combination would have allowed Milwaukee to preserve the platoon advantage while keeping Yelich in the lineup.
However, Bauers has spent the second half of the season dealing with a fractured right toe and shin splints. Those injuries made a move to the outfield an unattractive option, leaving Murphy with fewer ways to build the lineup he wanted.
Murphy indicated that Yelich could still become part of the game plan once Milwaukee regained the platoon advantage. The manager also emphasized the importance of communicating the decision with the player before the game, especially in a postseason environment where every lineup move receives intense attention.
- Andrew Vaughn started at designated hitter against Tarik Skubal.
- Vaughn produced a .336 batting average against left-handers during the regular season.
- Jake Bauers’ injuries limited Milwaukee’s outfield flexibility.
- Milwaukee defeated the Dodgers, 2-1, in NLCS Game 1.
Milwaukee Carries Momentum Into NLCS Game 2
Despite the unexpected lineup adjustment, the Brewers secured the opening victory and took an early lead in the series. That result gives Milwaukee confidence heading into Game 2, while the Dodgers will look to respond quickly at home in the postseason matchup.
The updated Brewers schedule lists Game 2 for Monday at 5 p.m. Eastern Time, with coverage available across FOX, FS1, FOX Deportes and FOX One. The next lineup will be closely watched to determine whether Yelich returns or whether Murphy again leans into a matchup-based approach.
Yelich’s role remains important to Milwaukee’s postseason hopes. His offensive experience, ability to reach base and presence in the middle of the order make him difficult to leave out for long. At the same time, Murphy’s choice showed that the Brewers are willing to make bold, short-term decisions when the opponent’s starting pitcher creates a specific challenge.
Murphy Adds a Personal Touch Before the Opener
Before discussing baseball, Murphy also entertained reporters with a story about Bruce Springsteen. The Brewers have played Springsteen’s “Glory Days” after victories since Murphy became manager, largely because of the skipper’s admiration for the New Jersey musician.
Murphy recalled driving through heavy rain to attend a Springsteen concert while he was in college. He said the lengthy performance sparked his interest in the singer’s music and connected with him personally because of Springsteen’s New Jersey and Catholic upbringing.
The manager also discussed Springsteen’s popularity among baseball figures, noting that Hall of Famers Paul Molitor and Randy Johnson are fans as well. The story offered a lighter moment during an otherwise high-pressure postseason day.
What the Brewers Schedule Means Next
With a 1-0 series lead, Milwaukee has already gained a valuable advantage. Still, the Yelich decision could remain a central talking point throughout the NLCS. Fans will be watching the next Brewers schedule update for lineup confirmation, pitching plans and any indication of how Murphy intends to manage the designated hitter spot.
For now, the strategy worked. The Brewers used a carefully constructed lineup, received enough offense and held off the Dodgers in a tense opening game. Whether Yelich returns immediately or waits for a more favorable matchup, Milwaukee has shown that flexibility will be central to its postseason approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Christian Yelich not in the Brewers’ Game 1 lineup?
Manager Pat Murphy said the decision was based on the matchup against Dodgers left-hander Tarik Skubal and Milwaukee’s preference to start right-handed hitter Andrew Vaughn.
Who replaced Yelich in the starting lineup?
Andrew Vaughn started at designated hitter for the Brewers in NLCS Game 1.
Did the Brewers win Game 1?
Yes. Milwaukee defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers, 2-1, to take a 1-0 lead in the NLCS.
When is NLCS Game 2?
Game 2 is scheduled for Monday at 5 p.m. Eastern Time.
Could Yelich return in Game 2?
Yelich could return depending on the pitching matchup and Milwaukee’s lineup strategy. Murphy suggested the team may use him when it regains the platoon advantage.
