Priester, a long-reliever option for Milwaukee, could follow Ashby if Chourio’s status remains unsettled. His 13-3, 3.32 lineage adds depth to the Brewers’ depth chart and postseason experience, offering a potential bridge role in this tight series.

Priester will start Game 2, delivering length and a different look after Peralta. His performance dictates Milwaukee’s ability to bridge to the bullpen and keep Chicago’s order facing fresh arms in a short series.

Priester, a homegrown arm with a 13-3 mark and 3.32 ERA in a prior stint, looms as a pivotal Game 2 starter for Milwaukee. His hometown connection and length potential could swing the early portion of the series, forcing Chicago to adapt quickly to Milwaukee’s rotation flexibility.

Priester’s starts formed a 19-game Brewers-winning premise that was finally halted by Cincinnati, highlighting the fragile momentum and the shift in the final wildcard push.

Priester allowed three earned runs on nine hits with a walk in five innings, dropping to 13-3. His outing ends a long Brewers win streak when he pitched, marking a pivotal moment in the Brewers' postseason chase.