Pat Murphy Makes Decision on Struggling Brewers Pitcher

Harrison’s struggles continued Sunday against the Cincinnati Reds. The 25-year-old allowed nine hits, four walks and four earned runs over just 3.2 innings, throwing 93 pitches in Milwaukee’s 12-8 loss.

That came only days after an even rougher outing against the Cubs. Harrison surrendered nine earned runs and five home runs over 3.2 innings in the Sept. 1 matchup.

The two starts have dramatically changed the conversation around a pitcher who had otherwise put together a productive season. Harrison entered the latest stretch with a 10-4 record, 3.66 ERA and 134 strikeouts across 110.2 innings.

Over his last two starts, however, he has allowed 13 earned runs, 19 hits and six home runs in only 7.1 innings.

Murphy’s tandem approach would allow Harrison to work through an opposing lineup while giving Milwaukee a fresh multi-inning option behind him. That could reduce the risk of another short outing while preserving Harrison as a potential postseason weapon.

The Brewers entered Monday at 88-56, holding a 7-game lead over the Chicago Cubs in the NL Central. Milwaukee’s strong position gives Murphy some flexibility to manage Harrison carefully rather than force him into a traditional starter’s workload.

With October approaching, the Brewers now have to determine whether Harrison can regain his form or whether a shortened role is the better path forward.