Whitney: Six runs. Four games. A sweep of the Dodgers and a trip to the Fall Classic. If you missed Garrett Mitchell’s clutch homer in Game Four, you are not alone. But here is the question keeping Milwaukee front offices up at night right now: who actually starts behind the plate against Tampa Bay?
Terry: It’s not just about the catcher. With Brandon Woodruff, Eric Lauer, and Gavin Stone all on the sixty-day IL, the rotation depth is being tested like never before. We have to look at who is actually ready to pitch when it matters most.
Terry: Good morning, everyone. It is an incredible feeling to be back in this space with you. The energy in Milwaukee right now is palpable, but the work isn't done. The World Series starts soon, and the roster decisions are happening right now.
Whitney: Today, we are breaking down three critical roster battles. First, the catching situation between William Contreras and Gary Sanchez. Second, the starting pitching options with the injury list looking so long. And third, where does Jackson Chourio fit in the outfield hierarchy? Let’s get into it.
Whitney: Let’s start with the big one. Catching. You have William Contreras, the face of the franchise, and then you have Gary Sanchez, bringing that veteran power. In a best-of-seven series, how do you split these minutes?
Terry: I think you look at platoon splits immediately. Contreras has been exceptional against left-handed pitching throughout the playoffs. He has that high contact rate and elite plate discipline. Against a team like Tampa Bay, who relies heavily on their bullpen, you want someone who can grind at-bats.
Whitney: But Sanchez has the raw power. If the Rays go to a lefty reliever, aren’t you worried about leaving Sanchez on the bench too long?
Terry: That is the risk. But remember, Sanchez had his struggles with strikeout rates earlier in the season. Contreras is safer defensively, and with the Brewers' speed game, defense matters. I’d start Contreras in Games One and Two, then bring Sanchez in for specific matchups or as a designated hitter if he needs to stay warm.
Whitney: So, Contreras gets the nod early. What happens if the series goes to seven games? Do you burn him out?
Terry: You manage it carefully. Maybe a rest day in the middle. But honestly, the bigger issue isn’t the catchers. It’s the fact that Brian Fitzpatrick and Angel Zerpa are also on the injured list. The entire infrastructure is thin right now.
Whitney: Right. And speaking of injuries, let’s talk about the rotation. We talked about this yesterday—Freddy Peralta was named ALCS MVP, which is huge. But who is the starter for Game One?
Terry: It has to be Freddy. He pitched the Rays into the World Series. His fastball command was elite. But the question is, who backs him up? Robert Gasser showed immense promise in the NLCS. He’s young, but he has that feel for pitching.
Whitney: Gasser was great in Game Four. But what about Dustin May? He’s on the roster. Is he ready for the World Stage?
Terry: May is risky. He has talent, but consistency has always been a question mark. I’d rather see Shane Drohan or even Kyle Harrison get a look. They have that fresh arm energy. The Rays are going to try to exploit any hesitation from a younger pitcher.
Whitney: So you’re saying trust the kids over the veteran experience? That’s a bold call, Terry.
Terry: It’s not about age, it’s about velocity. The Rays’ lineup is tough. You need arms that can miss bats. Harrison and Drohan have that stuff. Plus, Grant Anderson is on the fifteen-day IL, so you don’t have many options. You have to roll with what you have.
Whitney: Fair point. The injury list is brutal. Blake Treinen is out, Will Klein is out. It’s a test of depth. Let’s shift to the infield. Joey Ortiz and David Hamilton are both on the roster. Who starts at shortstop?
Terry: Joey Ortiz. Hands down. His defensive range is superior. Hamilton is faster, sure, but in the World Series, you cannot afford errors. Ortiz provides stability. Brice Turang at second base complements him perfectly. That infield is locked in.
Whitney: And Cooper Pratt? He’s there as insurance. But if Ortiz goes down, Pratt is next. What about the outfield? Jackson Chourio is the young star. Where does he play?
Terry: Chourio in Left Field. He has the arm, he has the bat. Sal Frelick in Right, Garrett Mitchell in Center. Mitchell had that homer against LA. He’s momentum-driven. You want him in center field, tracking fly balls and getting comfortable.
Whitney: Luis Lara is also in the mix for RF. Does he see time?
Terry: Maybe late innings for defense. But offensively, Frelick is hitting well. Platoon splits favor Frelick against certain righties. I’d stick with the core trio unless the Rays are throwing a monster lefty.
Whitney: Alright, final predictions. Who makes the active roster for the World Series? Who gets cut?
Terry: I think Aaron Ashby makes the bullpen. He’s reliable. I’d cut Logan Henderson and Jacob Misiorowski. You need five starters max, and you’ve got Peralta, Gasser, May, and two others. The rest go home.
Whitney: Ashby over Chad Patrick? That’s interesting.
Terry: Patrick has injury history. Ashby is healthy and has thrown strikes. In October, you take the safe bet. Andrew Vaughn stays at first base over Jake Bauers for the power boost. These are the small margins that win championships.
Whitney: We love hearing from you, listeners. Before we go, we need your help. Our daily research, editing, and keeping the feed running for free depends on you. Please consider chipping in via the link in the episode description—it helps us keep delivering this content every single day.
Terry: Exactly. It keeps the lights on. Thanks for listening. Subscribe, rate, review, and share with a friend.
Whitney: Up Next: We break down the Rays' pitching staff and predict the Game One starter for Milwaukee. Don't miss it.
Terry: Go Brewers. Let’s go win it all.