Milwaukee rode MLB’s best record (97 wins) to NLDS home-field advantage against Chicago, with Freddy Peralta and Quinn Priester set to start Games 1 and 2. William Contreras’ bruised hand is being managed, but he’s expected to play through the pain. With Quintana and Woodruff sidelined late, Milwaukee must lean on depth, health, and timely hitting to outlast the Cubs.

Contreras anchors Milwaukee’s lineup at a .260/.355/.399 clip with 17 homers and 76 RBI, and his presence behind the plate remains critical even if not at 100%. The Brewers’ path hinges on a sharp rotation, solid defense, and bullpen leverage to push for an NLCS return not seen since 2018. Game 1 kicks off Saturday at 1:08 p.m. ET.

Trevor Megill’s return could stabilize Milwaukee’s late innings just in time for the postseason. After posting 30 saves and a 2.54 ERA earlier this season, his health is the missing link for a bullpen that would instantly become one of the league’s scariest if he regains form. A simulated session this week and a possible live test in Sunday’s finale against Cincinnati would clarify his role for the Division Series. Jose Quintana’s progress adds another layer of depth as Milwaukee aims to lock in a playoff-ready relief corps.

Milwaukee has already clinched the NL Central, but the real work begins in October. If Megill is back at or near his peak, the Brewers’ bullpen could carry the offense into high-leverage wins, turning the postseason into a potential showcase for a dominant back end. Fantasy managers should monitor live-action returns, usage patterns, and how Quintana’s return reshapes the late-inning mix.

Milwaukee’s closer Trevor Megill is nearing a playoff return after a month on the IL with a right flexor strain. A Sunday test in the regular-season finale against Cincinnati could set his bullpen role for October, depending on how he feels after a recent simulated inning.

Manager Pat Murphy underscored that Megill’s activation would help, though it isn’t strictly required to make the Division Series roster. Jose Quintana is also trending toward postseason readiness despite a calf issue, giving Milwaukee a bolster to its relief corps as they prepare for the playoffs.

Milwaukee closes in on home-field as a two-game magic number drives the finish. A Brewers win paired with a Phillies loss on Wednesday would seal the top seed, even as injuries to Woodruff, Quintana and Megill test the rotation. Rookie Chad Patrick starts as Milwaukee eyes a Friday date with Cincinnati after facing San Diego.

San Diego’s Dylan Cease caps the regular season in a duel that could reshape playoff bullpen plans, while Miami’s seven-game win streak and Philadelphia’s results keep the race tight. Freddy Peralta hits a notable Brewers milestone, underscoring depth as October looms.

Milwaukee’s playoff plans face a setback as Woodruff lands on the 15-day IL with a right lat strain after returning from shoulder surgery. Quintana’s calf issue adds to a rotation puzzle that now leans on Peralta, Priester, Misiorowski, and depth arms to bridge October. Misiorowski, Gasser, and Megill provide a flexible mix for a staff under pressure.

Manager Pat Murphy stressed adaptability, with a bullpen-and-rotation approach that could shift by need rather than certainty. Milwaukee, holding the best record, still eyeing a title run, must navigate health to preserve a deep playoff arsenal as they head toward St. Louis and beyond.

Woodruff’s goal remains finishing healthy and chasing a World Series, even if the current setback clouds timing. The Brewers’ balance of youth and experience will define who emerges in late innings and crucial spots in a potential October battle.