Pat Murphy said on October 13, 2026, that Milwaukee will continue using its currently effective bullpen pitchers while expecting unused relievers to contribute when needed.
Murphy explained that Milwaukee must attack elite hitters rather than constantly pitching around them, saying, "You have to go right at them." He added that the bullpen plan would continue with the current relievers while accounting for rest and familiarity, noting, "Familiarity is a thing." Murphy said the team played 162 games in a regular season and stated that Milwaukee had regularly used six bullpen pitchers while leaving three pitchers unused in the postseason so far.
Murphy assessed Milwaukee's defense as generally good despite postseason miscues and emphasized the response to each mistake, saying, "Our defense as a whole is good." He praised Cooper Pratt for recovering from an early misplay by making later plays and contributing offensively: "He bounced back and makes the next play." Murphy manages the Milwaukee Brewers, and Cooper Pratt took over a defensive job from Ortiz, whom the organization and its fans revere.
Murphy said Milwaukee's high-performance team and trainers created guidance for rest, nutrition, hydration and travel recovery, explaining, "They put together a plan for the guys." He also praised Pratt's transition to the major leagues. In a symbolic episode, Murphy joked after Pratt was thrown out trying to take an extra base, "If I had a taser, I would have tased him."
Murphy said prior postseason adversity could motivate Milwaukee to return and fight again, stating, "Somehow this is going to help us." He attributed the prior loss to 2024, recalled a ninth-inning home run by Pete Alonso that put the opponent ahead, and said Milwaukee played four games in the preceding series while the current series could last seven games. Murphy also said Dustin May was used in relief on October 12, 2026, and Milwaukee's next step is to keep putting its effective relievers out there while remaining mindful of rest and familiarity.