When Tobias Myers, a 28‑year‑old right‑hander, was added to the 26‑man roster, the Milwaukee Brewers sent a clear message: length matters more than a specialist arm for the opening night of the NLCS. The move came just hours before Game 1 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and set the stage for a tactical showdown with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Background: Brewers’ postseason pitching strategy
In the 2025 regular season, the Brewers leaned heavily on a trio of relievers—Nick Mears (30), Jacob Casparius (27) for the Dodgers, and a handful of swing‑men. Mears logged 63 appearances, posting a 2.87 ERA and 72 strikeouts over 62.2 innings. Yet the bullpen was stretched thin after starter Freddy Peralta (28) and veteran front‑of‑the‑rotation arm Wade Miley (38) shouldered the early NLDS games.
Historically, teams keep a position player on a postseason roster to cover defensive gaps. The Brewers, however, opted to replace that safety net with a pitcher who can stretch multiple innings—a subtle but decisive shift.
Roster moves: Myers in, Mears out
During the pre‑game press conference on Monday, October 13, 2025, Patrick J. Murphy, the 65‑year‑old manager hired in November 2024, explained the calculus: “Mears has been unbelievable for us this year… but we need more length. We’re basically looking at one and a half starters, maybe two, so we had to adjust.”
Myers, who transitioned from starter to reliever midway through the season, finished the year with a 3.45 ERA, 127 strikeouts across 143.1 innings, and 31 starts. His ability to pitch three‑plus innings out of the bullpen makes him a hybrid—part starter, part reliever.
The roster deadline arrived at 3:00 PM CT on Sunday, October 12, when MLB required each club to submit its official NLCS slate. Alongside Myers, the Brewers retained left‑hander Aaron Ashby (26) as the opener for Game 1, a role he filled in the NLDS versus the Cubs.
Dodgers’ bullpen addition: Jacob Casparius
Across the league, the Dodgers mirrored the Brewers’ willingness to tweak their arms. They added right‑hander Jacob Casparius to the bullpen, bolstering a staff that already includes left‑hand ace Blake Snell (32), a two‑time Cy Young winner slated to start Game 1.
Dodgers general manager Matt Martin (45) noted, “Casparius gives us a fresh right‑hand option with a 94‑mph fastball and a solid secondary slider. He can eat innings if the starter gets knocked out early.”
Implications for Game 1 and beyond
The immediate impact shows up in the matchup: Ashby vs. Snell. Ashby’s fastball sits in the upper‑80s, while Snell consistently clocks 96‑plus. The Brewers hope Myers can provide a long‑relief bridge if Ashby’s opener runs out after an inning or two.
By keeping a position player on the bench instead of a pure specialist reliever, Milwaukee banks on defensive flexibility and the rare chance that Myers can eat three or four innings in a tight game. If the Dodgers’ lineup—featuring NL MVP finalist Mookie Betts—breaks early, the Brewers could pull Myers in for a marathon relief stint.
Should the series extend to six or seven games, the depth of the bullpen becomes paramount. The Dodgers, with Casparius added, gain a right‑handed counter to the Brewers’ left‑heavy early tactics. Both clubs now have an extra arm that can cover multiple innings, reducing the likelihood of a blown game due to a fatigued reliever.
Expert and fan reactions
Baseball analyst Jenna Morales from ESPN noted, “It’s a bold move. Historically, teams that carry an extra position player in the postseason sacrifice a reliever’s depth, but the Brewers are betting on Myers’ versatility.”
Fans in Milwaukee were split. A tweet from @BrewCrew247 read, “Mears was a workhorse all season—hard to see him miss the NLCS. But if Myers can give us five innings, I’m behind it.” Another fan, @DodgerNationLA, cheered the addition of Casparius, writing, “Finally some fresh right‑hand talent for the Dodgers’ bullpen!”
Key facts
- Roster deadline: 3:00 PM CT, Oct 12, 2025
- Myers added, Mears dropped – first postseason exclusion for Mears since July 2024 trade
- Dodgers add right‑hander Jacob Casparius to a bullpen already featuring Blake Snell
- Game 1 starter: Aaron Ashby (Brewers) vs. Blake Snell (Dodgers)
- Series schedule: Games 1‑2 in Milwaukee (Oct 13‑14), Games 3‑5 in Los Angeles (Oct 16‑18), possible Games 6‑7 back in Milwaukee (Oct 19‑20)
What’s next?
Both clubs will continue to assess bullpen health throughout the first two games. If the Brewers can stretch Myers into a multi‑inning role, they may keep the position player as a true bench depth piece rather than a safety net. The Dodgers, meanwhile, will monitor Casparius’ workload; his usage could determine whether the Dodgers stick with a traditional bullpen or adopt a more flexible, “open‑road” approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Brewers drop Nick Mears despite his solid season?
Mears was a reliable reliever, but manager Patrick J. Murphy emphasized the need for innings length. With only one full‑time starter left after the NLDS, the Brewers preferred a pitcher like Tobias Myers who can cover multiple frames, even if it meant sacrificing a specialist arm.
How does Jacob Casparius fit into the Dodgers’ bullpen?
Casparius brings a 94‑mph fastball and a solid slider, giving Los Angeles a fresh right‑hand option. He can step in after a starter exits early or provide a bridge between the early left‑handers and the late‑inning fireballers.
What impact could Myers have if he’s used as a multi‑inning reliever?
Myers’ 31 starts this year show he can handle a heavier workload. In the NLCS, he could log three to four innings after the opener, preserving the middle‑relief corps and keeping the bullpen fresher for later games.
How might the roster choices affect the series’ length?
If the Brewers can stretch Myers and avoid early bullpen collapses, they increase their chances of winning tight games, potentially shortening the series. Conversely, if the Dodgers’ new arm lets them hold leads later, it could push the contest to six or seven games.
What do experts say about carrying a position player instead of an extra reliever?
Analysts note it’s a risk‑reward play. The position player offers defensive flexibility, but you lose a specialized arm. The Brewers are betting that the extra innings Myers can provide outweighs the defensive safety net.
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