Trevor

Megill

Williams turned in an eighth straight scoreless appearance despite giving up a pair of hits. He did throw 18 pitches tonight after throwing 21 on Tuesday, so it’s not certainty that he’ll be available Friday. Trevor Megill, who struck out the side in the eighth tonight, would likely be the alternative if a save chance arises.

Megill rejoins Milwaukee’s high-leverage mix ahead of Tuesday’s series opener against the Cardinals after a handful of minor league rehab outings. The 30-year-old righty has been out since late July recovering from a lower back strain.

The 30-year-old right-hander has been sidelined since July 26 due to a lower back strain. He’s finally ready to get back on the mound though and should only need a couple of bullpen sessions before he’s ready to face live hitters. Once he’s ready to return, it’ll be in a setup capacity behind Devin Williams, which saps his fantasy value in most formats.

Megill hadn’t pitched since Tuesday, though the Brewers didn’t let it be known that his back was a problem. This could mean Joel Payamps will get save chances when Devin Williams is unavailable. Williams, who just came off the IL on Sunday, isn’t expected to pitch on back-to-back days for a little while.

Williams has struck out six batters and allowed just three baserunners over four innings (four appearances) since kicking off a rehab assignment back on July 13. The 29-year-old All-Star right-hander figures to be ready to take over as Milwaukee’s closer at some point in the next few days, relegating Trevor Megill to setup duty.

The 29-year-old right-hander allowed just one hit in his inning of work during his minor league rehab assignment on Friday. He then took to Instagram after the game and posted “See you soon MKE”, indicating that he plans on joining the Brewers in the very near future. We’ll have to wait and see if he’s thrust right back into the closer’s role, or if they’ll ease him back into action while Trevor Megill continues to hold down the ninth inning gig.

With Trevor Megill presumably unavailable for workload reasons after converting a pair of saves over the last three days, Payamps got the call to protect a one-run lead in the final frame after William Contreras put Milwaukee ahead in the top of the ninth. He struck out Christopher Morel and Dansby Swanson to open the frame before getting Mike Tauchman to fly out to preserve the victory.

After allowed two earned runs on Sunday’s outing against the Twins, Megill came out and pitched a scoreless ninth against the Cubs while striking out one. The veteran closer is now 20-for-22 in save opportunities this season and is tied with Houston’s Josh Hader for the eighth-most saves of any closer in baseball. Megill has a 4.91 ERA in the month of July but has converted on all but one of his save opportunities. He continues to be a solid option in roto leagues.

Megill was greeted rudely by Byron Buxton who hit a home run to start the ninth inning. Then, Max Kepler doubled and some doubt crept in before Megill retired the next three batters. It’s been a fantastic season for Megill as the Brewers’ closer, but Devin Williams has been rehabbing at AAA and will be back soon to assume that role.

Megill entered in the eighth inning with two outs and two men on and struck out Jesse Winker. With a one-run lead in the ninth inning, Megill gave up a single to Luis Garcia Jr. and a home run to CJ Abrams. It was just his second blown save in 20 chances this year. Megill has a 2.05 ERA on the season.