Rookie Logan Henderson Eyes Spot on Brewers' NLCS Roster as Murphy Shuffles Pitching Staff
Oct, 14 2025
When Pat Murphy, manager of Milwaukee Brewers stood before reporters on Sunday night, October 12, 2025, he announced a roster tweak that could make rookie right‑hander Logan Henderson eligible for the National League Championship SeriesAmerican Family Field, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The move, unveiled ahead of Game 1 on Monday, adds a fresh arm to a staff already juggling an opener, a swing‑man and the series’ ace.
Why the Roster Shuffle Matters
The Brewers entered the NLCS with a 26‑man roster that was, for the most part, a copy‑and‑paste of the squad that beat the Chicago Cubs in the NL Division Series. The one change? Right‑handed reliever Nick Mears was replaced by left‑hander Tobias Myers. "We weighed a lot of permutations," General Manager Matt Arnold told the press earlier in the week. "Miz (Jacob Misiorowski) and the opener role gave us room to experiment, and Logan gives us another option on Day 1."
Here's the thing: Mears had been flawless in the NLDS, throwing 1.67 scoreless innings across three outings. Yet an unresolved back tightness that landed him on the 15‑day injured list in early September left the Brewers questioning his durability for a potential seven‑game series.
Pitching Strategy: Opener, Then the Heavy‑Hitters
Murphy outlined a three‑piece plan for Game 1. Starter Aaron Ashby will open the first two innings as an "opener," after which the club will likely hand the ball to either Quinn Priester or veteran José Quintana. If the early matchups go well, Freddy Peralta – the staff ace – is slated to take the mound in Game 2 on Tuesday, October 14.
But wait, the surprise isn’t just the opener. Henderson, who logged a 3.20 ERA with 68 strikeouts across 57 innings in the regular season, was recalled from Triple‑A Nashville just hours before the press conference. "Logan’s been knocking lights out in the minors and he’s hungry," Murphy said. "If the situation calls for it, he’s ready to go."
Who Got Left Off and Why
- Rhys Hoskins – despite a .237/.332/.416 slash line, 12 homers and 43 RBI, remains off the postseason roster for the second straight series.
- Brandon Woodruff – sidelined by a right lat strain that has kept him out since September 17.
- Nick Mears – replaced by Tobias Myers as discussed.
Hoskins’ omission continues to fuel debate among fans. "He’s a power bat that could change a close game," noted longtime Brewers beat‑writer Jeff Neville. "But Murphy’s been honest – the roster is about matchups, not just batting averages."
Broader Implications: Brewers vs. Dodgers
The Dodgers and Brewers have met three times in the postseason, with the Dodgers winning the 2018 NLCS and the 2020 Wild Card Series. This year, however, Milwaukee owned the regular‑season series 6‑0. The NLCS therefore feels less like a David‑vs‑Goliath saga and more like a chance for redemption on home turf.
Interestingly, the Dodgers entered the series without a clear left‑handed reliever, a gap the Brewers might exploit with Henderson and Myers. "Los Angeles will have to adjust their batting order," said former pitcher turned analyst Mike “Sparky” Anderson. "If the Brewers can keep the right‑handed hitters off balance early, they can swing the momentum before the series heads to California."
What’s Next for Milwaukee
The first nine innings of Game 1 will be a test of Murphy’s flexibility. If Ashby can hold the Dodgers’ leadoff hitters to under two runs, the segue to Priester or Quintana could lock down the middle innings. Should the Dodgers break out early, Henderson could be called upon either as a mop‑up or a surprise late‑inning strikeout specialist.
Beyond Game 1, the Brewers’ depth will be taxed. With Woodruff out and Hoskins on the sidelines, the offense will lean heavily on Christian Yelich, Jackson Chourio and the emerging power of Blake Perkins. If the bullpen holds, Milwaukee could force a Game 5 back in Milwaukee, where the crowd at American Family Field has a reputation for rattling visiting pitchers.
Historical Context: Brewers’ Postseason Evolution
Milwaukee’s last World Series appearance came in 1982, and the club has only reached the NLCS twice before – in 2018 and 2020, both ending in defeat. The 2025 roster reflects a shift toward analytics‑driven bullpens and a willingness to experiment with openers, a strategy borrowed from the 2021 Houston Astros. Pat Murphy, who took over the helm in 2023, has leaned into that philosophy, stating in a 2024 interview, "We’re not afraid to bend traditional roles if we think it gives us an edge."
That mindset paid off in the NLDS, where the Brewers won three straight games against a Cubs team that struggled with offense. The next step is to see if that flexibility can outwit a Dodgers squad that has traditionally thrived on veteran poise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Brewers drop Nick Mears from the NLCS roster?
Mears was healthy enough to pitch in the NLDS, but lingering back tightness that placed him on the 15‑day IL in early September raised concerns about his durability over a potential seven‑game series. The team opted for the left‑handed reliever Tobias Myers to balance the bullpen’s handedness and to safeguard against a late‑season injury recurrence.
What role could Logan Henderson play in Game 1?
If the opener and the subsequent swing‑man struggle, Murphy hinted Henderson could be used as a late‑inning reliever to chase down tough hitters or even to start the game if the first two innings go poorly. His 3.20 ERA in the minors suggests he can handle high‑leverage situations.
How does the Dodgers' lack of a left‑handed reliever affect the series?
Los Angeles will likely lean on its right‑handed bullpen, making right‑handed Brewers hitters more comfortable. The Brewers can counter by deploying left‑handed arms like Myers and possibly Henderson to neutralize the Dodgers’ left‑handed power batters early on.
What impact does Rhys Hoskins' absence have on the Brewers' offense?
Hoskins' 12 home runs and 43 RBI in the regular season gave the Brewers a deep middle‑order presence. Without him, the lineup leans more on Yelich’s consistency and the emerging power of Perkins and Chourio. The team will need to manufacture runs through small‑ball tactics and clutch hitting.
When is the next game in the series, and where will it be played?
Game 2 is scheduled for Tuesday night, October 14, 2025, at American Family Field in Milwaukee. If the Brewers win, the series shifts to Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles for Game 3.