Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski, a leading candidate for the National League Cy Young Award, may need to skip upcoming starts to ensure he is sufficiently rested for the postseason, according to former Cy Young winner Jake Peavy. The advice comes after Misiorowski experienced a statistically uncharacteristic outing on Wednesday against the Chicago Cubs.
Misiorowski, commonly known as "The Miz," has had a dominant 2026 season, showcasing improved command alongside his high velocity. He entered the start against the Cubs with a 0.79 WHIP, allowing only 84 hits in 155 innings pitched, with 227 strikeouts and a .154 batting average against. He had also maintained a streak of 25 consecutive starts allowing no more than three earned runs.
Against the Cubs at Wrigley Field, Misiorowski pitched four innings, surrendering five runs on five hits and four walks while recording five strikeouts. While not a catastrophic performance, it fell short of his season's high standard and continued a slight dip in his numbers over his last four starts.
Peavy, speaking on MLB Now, suggested that the Brewers should strategically skip starts for Misiorowski to allow him to regain his peak form. "They've got to skip him a start or two and get him feeling fresh again," Peavy said. "If he's fresh, they can win the World Series... to win a World Series, you have to ride this guy."
Misiorowski has already pitched more innings in 2026 than in his previous season, with potential for around 180 innings if he maintains his current pace and makes at least four more starts. The Brewers have already secured a postseason berth and are expected to be the top seed in the National League, granting them a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
Peavy emphasized the critical role Misiorowski will play in the Brewers' potential World Series run, stating, "If they're going to make the run they're making, it's going to have to be on the back of Misiorowski. Not to put too much on the young man, but this is just how you win. You've got to get him healthy, rested, let's go."
The Brewers' roster features a strong supporting cast, including consistent offense from players like Jackson Chourio and Brice Turang, and a deep starting rotation with pitchers such as Kyle Harrison and Logan Henderson. Their bullpen is also considered a strength, with key arms like Trevor Megill and Abner Uribe. However, the organization's pursuit of its first championship is widely seen as hinging on Misiorowski's performance in crucial postseason games. The team faces a decision on whether to prioritize his routine or rest him to maximize his effectiveness in a potential National League Championship Series or World Series, drawing parallels to Yoshinobu Yamamoto's role for the Dodgers in the 2025 World Series.