Kyle Harrison may move to bullpen after consecutive rough starts for Brewers

Kyle Harrison's spot in the Milwaukee rotation is in question after the left-hander lasted just 3 2/3 innings in a 12-8 loss to the Reds, allowing nine hits, four walks, and six runs — four earned — in his second consecutive difficult outing.

Manager Pat Murphy told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Curt Hogg and other reporters after the game that the club is considering a role change for Harrison. Murphy indicated the adjustment could involve moving Harrison out of the rotation, using him in the middle innings, or having him start but pitch shorter, per Hogg. "Once we get those off days and we can get some health," Murphy said, the club would explore options.

What happened

Harrison failed to complete four innings against Cincinnati, the second time in his last two starts he has been pulled early. On August 31, he surrendered nine earned runs in 3 2/3 innings against the Cubs. The back-to-back outings lifted his ERA from 2.79 to 3.66, per MLB Trade Rumors.

Murphy referenced the Brewers' current stretch of 16 games in 16 days, which concludes with an off day Thursday. The break will offer the pitching staff some relief, though Harrison has already been working on at least five days of rest between starts since his return from the injured list on August 5.

Why it matters

The timing is awkward for Milwaukee. The Brewers hold an 88-56 record and lead the National League Central with a division magic number of 12, but they are in the middle of a two-game losing streak and face the Cubs in a three-game series beginning Monday at American Family Field. Robert Gasser is scheduled to start the opener against Matthew Boyd.

Harrison's struggles follow a month in which the rotation has shown signs of strain. Jacob Misiorowski allowed five earned runs in a start against the Cubs on September 3, and manager Pat Murphy acknowledged possible fatigue after an August 21 outing in which Misiorowski's velocity dipped, per earlier reporting. The club designated reliever Joel Kuhnel for assignment after his rehab window expired, removing one bullpen option from the 40-man roster.

A move to the bullpen or a piggyback role would give Milwaukee flexibility as it navigates the final weeks of the regular season, but it would also represent a significant shift for a pitcher who appeared to be enjoying a breakout year in his first season with the organization.

The numbers

Harrison has posted a 3.66 ERA across 116 1/3 innings in the majors and minors this season, per MLB Trade Rumors. His strikeout, walk, and hard-hit ball rates remain well above average, but the underlying metrics have deteriorated since his return from the injured list.

Hogg noted that Harrison's fastball velocity has dropped 1.7 mph since the IL stint. Opposing hitters are swinging and missing at the pitch at a much lower rate and have raised their batting average against it from .201 to .305. The decline is particularly damaging because the left-hander relies heavily on his fastball and slurve, with the heater accounting for more than half his pitch mix and the breaking ball making up nearly a third. When a pitcher's primary weapon loses effectiveness and his arsenal offers limited alternatives, the margin for error shrinks considerably.

Harrison missed four weeks with forearm tightness before his August 5 activation. He posted a 1.83 ERA over four starts and 19 2/3 innings immediately after his return, but the warning signs were present beneath the strong surface results.

Where the club stands

The Brewers are 88-56 and lead the NL Central by a comfortable margin, with a division magic number of 12. They have lost two in a row and are in the middle of a 16-game stretch without an off day, a grind that has tested the depth of the pitching staff.

Milwaukee's upcoming schedule includes three games against the Cubs at American Family Field, with Jacob Misiorowski and Logan Henderson slated to start Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively. The off day Thursday will be the first break since the stretch began, and Murphy indicated the club will use it to reassess Harrison's role and address health concerns across the roster.

The Brewers activated left-hander JoJo Romero and called up a position player — likely catcher Bo Naylor — on September 1 with the roster expansion, per earlier reporting. They also re-signed infielder Jonathan Ornelas to a minor-league deal, sending him to Triple-A Nashville just before the postseason eligibility deadline. Abner Uribe was activated off the injured list ahead of the Cubs series that began September 1.

Jackson Chourio, 22, has posted a career-best 124 wRC+ across 104 games this season despite injuries, per Yahoo Sports reporting from September 3.

What we don't know yet

Murphy did not specify when the club will make a decision on Harrison's role or whether the left-hander will make his next scheduled start. The manager's comments suggested the move could come after Thursday's off day, but no timeline was provided.

It is also unclear whether the velocity and swing-and-miss declines are related to lingering effects from the forearm tightness that sent Harrison to the injured list in July. Harrison has thrown 116 1/3 innings this year, still below his career high of 124 1/3 frames from 2024, and fatigue was not cited as a concern by Murphy or the club, per MLB Trade Rumors.

The Brewers have not announced a corresponding roster move if Harrison does shift to the bullpen, and it is not known whether the club would add a starter from the minors or use a piggyback arrangement with existing rotation members.

What to watch

Thursday's off day is the first decision point. If the Brewers intend to move Harrison to relief or a shorter role, the break provides a natural opportunity to reset the rotation without disrupting the schedule. The club could also wait until after the Cubs series to make a change, depending on how the next few days unfold.

Harrison's fastball velocity and swing-and-miss rates will be closely monitored if he does pitch again in the coming week. A return to pre-IL levels would suggest the recent struggles are a short-term blip rather than a sign of a deeper issue. If the velocity remains down and hitters continue to make hard contact, the case for a role change strengthens.

Milwaukee's rotation depth will also be tested. Gasser, Misiorowski, and Henderson are scheduled to start the next three games, and the club will need all three to provide length if Harrison is unavailable or limited. The Brewers have a comfortable division lead, but the margin for error narrows in October, and the front office will want clarity on Harrison's status before the postseason begins.

The left-hander entered the season as a former top prospect in his first year with Milwaukee, and the early results suggested he had found his footing. The next week will determine whether the recent struggles are an aberration or a sign that adjustments are needed to preserve his effectiveness down the stretch.