NL Best vs. West Worst: Brewers Invade Reeling Giants
Brewers Aim for Fourth Straight Series Win Behind New Face Thomas Pannone
The Big Picture
The Milwaukee Brewers are in a great groove right now! For the second series in a row, they’re playing the final game with a chance to win the series. If they pull it off today, it’ll be their fourth straight series victory since the All-Star break. Not too shabby!
IMPORTANT POINT
The Brewers have won 3 consecutive series since the All-Star break. A win today makes it 4 in a row!
A Surprise Starting Pitcher Change
What Happened?
Midday rumors started flying about possible trades. The original plan was for Shane Drohan to start this afternoon’s game, but he got bumped from the rotation.
The New Plan
Instead, the Brewers made a quick move:
- Recalled Thomas Pannone from Triple-A Nashville to start today
- Optioned Garrett Stallings back to Nashville to make room on the roster
Why This Makes Sense
Manager Pat Murphy is being smart about pitcher workload. With an off day coming up, giving the young arms some extra rest during the "dog days of summer" is a savvy move.
Meet Thomas Pannone: The Journeyman Getting Another Shot
His Baseball Journey (It’s Been a Wild Ride!)
Pannone’s path back to the majors reads like a baseball adventure novel:
- June 2023: Last MLB appearance (2.2 innings vs Pirates)
- After that: Designated for assignment → Released
- Korean Baseball Organization: Spent time playing overseas
- Minor League stops: Detroit Tigers system → Chicago Cubs system
- Now: Back in the bigs with the Brewers!
2024 Season with Nashville Sounds
| Stat | Number |
|---|---|
| ERA | 3.54 |
| Appearances | 16 |
| Innings Pitched | 72.0 |
| Strikeouts | 57 |
What Kind of Pitcher Is He?
- Not a big strikeout guy (only ~7 K/9)
- Brewers-esque pitcher: Relies on contact, command, and getting weak contact
- First start as a Brewer today
- Only 2nd MLB appearance since 2023
History vs Today’s Opponent
Back in April 2019 (with Toronto Blue Jays):
- Faced the Giants
- Threw 2.1 innings
- Allowed 2 runs on 2 home runs
Today’s Lineup: Familiar Faces, Small Tweaks
Murphy is sticking with what worked in last night’s 8-2 victory, with just two changes:
Position Changes
- First Base: Jake Bauers gets the start
- Catcher: Gary Sánchez behind the plate
Key Hitters to Watch
- Christian Yelich: Cleanup hitter (4th spot) for the second straight day
- Brice Turang: Riding a hot streak at the plate
The Challenge: Facing Logan Webb
The Giants are sending their ace, Logan Webb, to the mound for his 18th start of the season.
Webb’s Season Stats (Overall Pretty Good!)
- Opponent Batting Average: .231 (hitters struggle against him)
- Walks: Only 29 in 112 innings (great control)
- Innings: 112 (workhorse)
But Here’s the Good News for Brewers Fans!
Webb has STRUGGLED in July:
- 7.54 ERA this month
- Only 13 strikeouts in 22.2 innings
- The Brewers’ bats might have a real chance today!
What’s at Stake for the Giants?
San Francisco is chasing something they haven’t done since early June: back-to-back series wins. Ironically, that last time they did it? They beat the Brewers and the Cubs. Milwaukee would love to stop that streak in its tracks!
How to Watch/Listening
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| First Pitch | 2:45 PM |
| TV | Brewers.TV |
| Radio | WTMJ 620 |
Quick Summary
- Brewers going for 4th straight series win since All-Star break
- Thomas Pannone makes surprise start (recalled from Triple-A)
- Pat Murphy managing pitcher workload smartly before off day
- Pannone is a journeyman with a 3.54 ERA in Triple-A this year
- Lineup nearly identical to last night’s 8-2 win
- Logan Webb (Giants ace) has struggled badly in July (7.54 ERA)
- Giants seeking first back-to-back series wins since June
- Game at 2:45 PM on Brewers.TV and WTMJ 620
FAQ
Who is Thomas Pannone and why is he starting?
Pannone is a 30-year-old left-handed pitcher the Brewers recalled from Triple-A Nashville. He’s making his first start for Milwaukee and just his second MLB appearance since 2023. The original starter (Shane Drohan) was bumped, possibly due to trade rumors, and manager Pat Murphy wanted to give other young pitchers rest before an upcoming off day.
What does "optioned" and "recalled" mean?
- Recalled: Bringing a player UP from the minor leagues to the major league team
- Optioned: Sending a player DOWN from the major leagues to the minor leagues (they still have "options" remaining on their contract)
Why is Logan Webb’s July struggle important?
Even though Webb has been good overall this season, pitchers go through slumps. His 7.54 ERA in July means he’s been very hittable lately. This gives the Brewers’ offense a much better chance than if he was pitching like his season averages suggest.
What does "Brewers-esque pitcher" mean?
The Brewers organization tends to favor pitchers who don’t rely on overpowering strikeouts, but instead excel at command (throwing strikes), inducing weak contact (ground balls, pop-ups), and changing speeds. Pannone fits this profile perfectly with his low strikeout rate but solid ERA.
What happens if the Brewers win today?
They secure their fourth consecutive series win since the All-Star break, continue their strong second-half push, and deny the Giants their first back-to-back series wins since early June.
