The Brewers fell 6-3 to the Pirates on June 25, 2025, after a Bryan Reynolds homer. Despite a William Contreras HR, find out why hope looms for the Crew.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a frustrating night at American Family Field as the Milwaukee Brewers fell 6-3 to the division-rival Pittsburgh Pirates. A first-inning, three-run homer by Bryan Reynolds put the Crew in an early hole they could never quite dig out of, highlighting a growing need for stability on the mound. But as the bats went quiet, whispers of returning aces and a rising farm system provided a much-needed dose of optimism.
'We're optimistic about getting both guys back before the All-Star break.' - Manager Pat Murphy on the impending return of Brandon Woodruff and Nestor Cortes.
The game felt like an uphill battle from the first pitch. Pirates slugger Bryan Reynolds ambushed starter Freddy Peralta for a three-run shot in the opening frame, setting a tone the Brewers struggled to overcome. Peralta battled for five innings but was tagged for five runs (four earned), unable to find the shutdown form fans are used to. The offense showed sparks of life, with William Contreras launching a solo homer in the sixth and Christian Yelich driving in a run with a double in the eighth, but the rally ultimately fell short against a solid Pirates bullpen, capped by closer David Bednar.
The timing couldn't be better for some good news on the injury front. As the rotation shows signs of fatigue, Manager Pat Murphy confirmed that aces Brandon Woodruff and Nestor Cortes are progressing well in their rehab assignments. Murphy's optimism about their return before the All-Star break is a massive development. Their presence would not only deepen the rotation but also take pressure off the bullpen, which, to its credit, performed admirably tonight, allowing just one run over four innings of work.
While the big league club looks for a spark, the future is getting brighter down on the farm. Reports indicate the Brewers' farm system is on the rise, thanks to savvy development of late-round high school talent. Looking ahead to the 2025 MLB Draft, the organization is expected to target an impact bat with its first pick. The strategy may involve picking a player 'underslot' to save bonus pool money for high-upside prep arms in later rounds, a tactic that has paid dividends in the past. Names like Arkansas outfielder Charles Davalan are being linked to the Crew, signaling a continued focus on building a sustainable winner.
While today's loss to a division rival is a tough pill to swallow, it's a single battle in the long war of a 162-game season. The bigger story is the light at the end of the tunnel. With Woodruff and Cortes inching closer to a return, the starting rotation is poised for a significant boost right when it needs it most. Keep an eye on those rehab starts and the upcoming draft – the Crew's present and future are both very much in play.
