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Christian Yelich is back in the Milwaukee Brewers’ starting lineup for Game 2 of the National League Championship Series after the team opened its postseason matchup against the Los Angeles Dodgers with a thrilling victory Sunday.
Brewers manager Pat Murphy has restored Yelich to the designated hitter spot for Monday’s game, giving the franchise icon another opportunity to make an impact against Dodgers starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Yelich sat out Game 1 while Andrew Vaughn served as the designated hitter.
Christian Yelich returns for a crucial NLCS matchup
The lineup change is one of three adjustments Milwaukee is making for Game 2. Sal Frelick replaces Luis Lara in right field, while David Hamilton moves into the starting role at third base in place of Joey Ortiz.
Lara delivered the game-winning run for the Brewers in Sunday’s opener, making his absence from the starting lineup one of the notable changes ahead of Monday’s contest. Even with those changes, Milwaukee will rely on a left-handed-heavy lineup as it faces Yamamoto, a right-handed pitcher.
Of Milwaukee’s nine starting batters, five hit left-handed. That matchup advantage helped shape the lineup as the Brewers look to build on their early series momentum and take a commanding 2-0 lead before the series shifts to Los Angeles.
A powerful Brewers lineup for Game 2
The Brewers’ starting lineup features several of the team’s key contributors, including Yelich, William Contreras and Jackson Chourio. Milwaukee will also turn to Logan Henderson as its starting pitcher.
- Jackson Chourio, left field
- Brice Turang, second base
- William Contreras, catcher
- Jake Bauers, first base
- Christian Yelich, designated hitter
- Garrett Mitchell, center field
- Eric Pratt, shortstop
- Sal Frelick, right field
- David Hamilton, third base
Henderson will face a Dodgers lineup that remains largely unchanged from Game 1. Los Angeles will start Yamamoto on the mound and continue to feature stars such as Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman and Shohei Ohtani.
Dodgers make limited changes against Milwaukee
The Dodgers have made two notable adjustments to their batting order. Teoscar Hernandez and Will Smith switch spots, while Tommy Edman replaces Enrique Hernández at second base.
- Mookie Betts, shortstop
- Freddie Freeman, first base
- Teoscar Hernandez, left field
- Shohei Ohtani, designated hitter
- Will Smith, catcher
- Max Muncy, third base
- Andy Pages, center field
- Kyle Tucker, right field
- Tommy Edman, second base
The Game 2 matchup carries significant weight for both teams. A Brewers win would send Milwaukee to Los Angeles with a 2-0 series advantage, placing the Dodgers under immediate pressure. A Los Angeles victory, meanwhile, would even the series before the teams continue the NLCS on the West Coast.
What to watch when the Brewers face the Dodgers
Yelich’s return will be one of the central storylines. The veteran hitter brings experience and offensive presence to the middle of Milwaukee’s order, while Frelick and Hamilton provide fresh defensive and lineup options.
The Brewers will also need Henderson to navigate a dangerous Dodgers order. Betts, Freeman, Ohtani and Smith give Los Angeles several high-impact threats, creating an intense test for Milwaukee’s pitching staff.
First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. Central time Monday, Oct. 12. The Brewers will attempt to protect home-field momentum and move one step closer to advancing through the National League playoffs.
Frequently asked questions
Is Christian Yelich playing in NLCS Game 2?
Yes. Christian Yelich is scheduled to start at designated hitter for the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 2 against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Who replaces Luis Lara in the Brewers lineup?
Sal Frelick replaces Luis Lara in right field for Game 2. Lara scored the game-winning run for Milwaukee in Sunday’s opener.
Who is starting for the Brewers?
Logan Henderson is scheduled to start on the mound for Milwaukee.
Who is pitching for the Dodgers?
Yoshinobu Yamamoto is scheduled to start for Los Angeles.
What time does NLCS Game 2 begin?
First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. Central time on Monday, Oct. 12, 2026.
