Milwaukee Brewers News Roundup — October 23, 2026

The Milwaukee Brewers won Game 1 of the World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays 3-2 at home, marking the franchise's first World Series game in 44 years. Jacob Misiorowski pitched five innings of one-run ball, and the bullpen added four scoreless innings. Jackson Chourio and Christian Yelich drove in early runs, with Chourio adding an insurance run in the seventh. William Contreras made critical defensive plays, including throwing out a runner at third and executing a strikeout-throw-out double play.

The Brewers took a calculated risk by adding Brandon Woodruff to their roster despite the pitcher missing time since July with a shoulder injury. Under postseason rules, the team cannot replace Woodruff if he reaggravates the injury rather than suffering a new one, leaving Milwaukee potentially short-handed. Manager Pat Murphy and baseball operations president Matt Arnold deemed his veteran presence and leadership worth the gamble, with Woodruff likely to serve in relief rather than as a starter.

Manager Pat Murphy adjusted the batting order for Game 1, moving Christian Yelich to the third spot against Rays starter Nick Martinez, whom Yelich has faced 19 times in his career. The Brewers also moved NLCS MVP Jake Bauers to the second spot to protect leadoff hitter Jackson Chourio, while Brent Turang dropped to fifth. The Rays constructed their roster with 12 pitchers and 14 position players, emphasizing position players over their traditional opener strategy and adding left-hander Garrett Cleavinger to match up against Milwaukee's strong performance against right-handed pitching.

Both teams are seeking their first championship in franchise history. The Brewers return to the World Series for the first time since 1982, when Harvey's Wallbangers lost to the St. Louis Cardinals in seven games. The Rays have never won a title. Multiple player and coaching connections link the franchises, including ALCS MVP Freddy Peralta returning to face his former team, NLCS MVP Jake Bauers playing against his original organization, and Ozzie Timmons rejoining the Rays after serving as the Brewers' co-hitting coach.