Brewers’ Flamethrower Jacob Misiorowski Returns Tonight—What His Comeback Means for Milwaukee’s Playoff Push

MILWAUKEE – The Milwaukee Brewers got a major boost ahead of tonight’s series opener in Cincinnati, officially activating fire-balling rookie Jacob Misiorowski from the 15-day injured list after a 2½-week absence caused by a left tibia contusion. Misiorowski, whose triple-digit fastball and wipe-out slider made him an All-Star in his debut season, is expected to start against the Reds as Milwaukee chases its 13th straight victory, a streak that would tie the franchise record set in 1987. Hot start before the setback • Record: 4-1 • ERA: 2.70 • Strikeouts: 47 in 33⅓ IP The 23-year-old last pitched July 28 against the Cubs, when his knee buckled fielding a dribbler in the first inning. Although he finished four frames that night, imaging later revealed the contusion that briefly stalled one of baseball’s most electric rookie campaigns. Why Misiorowski’s return matters 1. Rotation depth: Manager Pat Murphy has leaned on a patchwork staff during the streak; Misiorowski pairs with ace Freddy Peralta to give Milwaukee a formidable 1-2 punch. 2. Power arm for October: The Brewers own the NL’s best bullpen ERA, but adding a starter who averages 99 mph allows Murphy to shorten postseason games even further. 3. NL Rookie of the Year race: Despite missing time, Misiorowski still ranks top-five among NL rookies in WAR and strikeouts. A strong August and September could vault him back to the front of the ballot. Corresponding roster moves – RHP Grant Anderson optioned to Triple-A Nashville – OF Blake Perkins to bereavement list – OF Isaac Collins to paternity list – IF Tyler Black and OF Steward Berroa recalled from Nashville Scouting tonight’s matchup The Reds counter with left-hander Andrew Abbott, who has posted a 3.62 ERA at hitter-friendly Great American Ball Park. Cincinnati ranks second in stolen bases; controlling the running game will test Misiorowski’s slide-step and catcher William Contreras’ arm. Fast facts fans are Googling right now • Misiorowski was a second-round pick (2022) out of Crowder College, Missouri. • He touched 103 mph in the Futures Game last July, the fastest pitch ever recorded in that showcase. • His Baseball Savant “Stuff+” score of 142 is the highest among rookie starters with at least 30 IP. What’s next First pitch is 6:40 p.m. ET. A Brewers win would not only extend their NL-best streak but also widen a division lead that has ballooned to five games during Misiorowski’s absence. If the rookie looks anything like the strikeout machine he was pre-injury, Milwaukee’s path to a third NL Central crown in five seasons just became a lot clearer.