The Milwaukee Brewers have nearly finalized their 2026 Opening Day roster, and fans can breathe a sigh of relief as Brandon Woodruff, the two-time All-Star, is set to be part of the starting rotation. Joining him on the mound will be Jacob Misiorowski, Chad Patrick, Brandon Sproat, and Kyle Harrison. Woodruff's inclusion is particularly reassuring given concerns about his readiness due to a slow start this spring.
In the outfield, the Brewers will feature Jackson Chourio, Garrett Mitchell, Sal Frelick, and Brandon Lockridge, with Christian Yelich taking on the role of designated hitter. Chourio is expected to cover left field, while Frelick will patrol right, leaving center field up for grabs.
Brewers manager Pat Murphy has outlined a platoon strategy for center field, involving Garrett Mitchell and Brandon Lockridge. This decision, confirmed by Brewers insider David Gasper, is based on the current circumstances and is not intended to last the entire season. Mitchell, a left-handed hitter and former first-round pick, managed to stay healthy through Spring Training but struggled at the plate, hitting just .063/.188/.189 over 11 games.
On the flip side, Lockridge, a right-handed hitter, made a strong impression in the Cactus League, boasting a .317/.429/.659 line with four home runs and nine RBIs. His performance is a promising development, especially considering his previous stats with the San Diego Padres before being traded to Milwaukee, where he improved his numbers significantly.
As the Brewers gear up for the new season, Lockridge’s spring surge adds an intriguing element to the team's dynamic. With only one career Major League home run prior to this spring, his newfound power could be a game-changer for Milwaukee's lineup.