The Milwaukee Brewers have already made one postseason decision unmistakably clear: Shane Drohan is in.
On Thursday, manager Pat Murphy removed any doubt, saying Drohan will be on the National League Division Series roster “come hell or high water,” according to MLB.com’s Adam McCalvy.
“One development from Pat Murphy's pregame session today: Shane Drohan is on the NLDS roster 'come hell or high water,'” McCalvy wrote on X.
That stance fits the way the Brewers have used the rookie all season. Drohan didn’t open the year on the roster and didn’t reach the majors until April 8, when he debuted against his former club, the Boston Red Sox. Milwaukee had acquired him from Boston in the offseason deal centered around Kyle Harrison and Caleb Durbin, and he has since become one of the more useful pieces on the staff.
The versatility has been the calling card. Drohan began with a start, then shifted to the bullpen until the end of May.
He went back into the rotation on June 1 and made 13 straight starts, posting a 4.44 ERA and a 4-3 record. After one bullpen appearance, he returned to starting again for four outings from Aug. 23 through Sep. 12, then moved back to the bullpen for two more appearances before starting again on Thursday.
Against the Philadelphia Phillies, Drohan made his 32nd appearance of the season and his 19th start. He worked 2 2/3 innings, gave up one run, and lowered his season ERA to 4.24.
For Milwaukee, the appeal is obvious. Drohan has handled every assignment the Brewers have thrown at him, and that kind of flexibility matters once October arrives.
If they need innings out of the bullpen, he can provide them. If they need a spot start, he can handle that too.
The Brewers won’t begin their playoff run until Oct. 3, thanks to a first-round bye, but when they do, Drohan will be on the roster.
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