In a high-stakes showdown that could define their season, the Brewers are poised to lean on a pitcher who’s thrown just 49 pitches in the past month—a move that’s as bold as it is risky. But here’s where it gets controversial: is this a stroke of genius or a gamble that could backfire spectacularly? Let’s dive in.
The spotlight falls on Jose Quintana, a 14-year veteran and one of Milwaukee’s most reliable starters during the regular season. But there’s a catch—Quintana’s been sidelined with a left calf strain since September 14, only returning for a brief but promising three-inning stint in the NL Division Series. Now, with the Brewers trailing the Dodgers 2-0 in the National League Championship Series, he’s being asked to step up in NLCS Game 3, presented by loanDepot, airing Thursday at 6 p.m. ET/5 CT/3 PT on TBS, truTV, and HBO Max. (For the full playoff schedule, visit https://www.mlb.com/news/2025-mlb-playoff-and-world-series-schedule.)
Quintana’s mindset? Postseason baseball is a battleground with no limits. “You always face batter-by-batter, hitter-by-hitter and just focus to keep it going,” he said. But against the Dodgers’ powerhouse lineup—featuring left-handed heavyweights like Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman, alongside right-handed threats like Mookie Betts and Will Smith—Quintana’s margin for error is razor-thin. At 36, his strikeout rate is at a career low, his walk rate is up, and his expected ERA suggests he’s been riding a wave of luck. And this is the part most people miss: the Dodgers don’t chase pitches, and they punish mistakes better than almost anyone in the league.
Manager Pat Murphy is playing it smart, deploying left-hander Aaron Ashby as the opener and keeping rookie Jacob Misiorowski ready for bulk innings if needed. But the real question lingers: How much can Quintana truly deliver? One bad inning could spell disaster for the Brewers, already in a precarious position.
Quintana, however, remains unfazed. “To get this opportunity, I think it’s a privilege,” he said, embracing the challenge of a packed Dodger Stadium crowd. His playoff resume—a 3.25 ERA over nine postseason appearances—speaks to his big-game mettle. Yet, this time feels different. The Dodgers’ lineup is a gauntlet, and Quintana’s recent injury adds another layer of uncertainty.
Here’s the controversial take: Is relying on Quintana a calculated risk or a desperate move? The Brewers need a win, but is this the right strategy against one of baseball’s most disciplined teams? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—do you think Quintana can rise to the occasion, or is this a recipe for disaster?
For those eager to witness this pivotal moment live, grab your Brewers postseason tickets at https://www.mlb.com/brewers/tickets/postseason?affiliateId=mlbcomarticle-inline-linkmil. And for a deeper dive into the matchup, check out the Brewers-Dodgers NLCS Game 3 FAQ at https://www.mlb.com/brewers/news/brewers-vs-dodgers-nlcs-game-3-starting-lineups-pitching-matchup.
