Game Thread #146: Milwaukee Brewers (83-62) @ San Francisco Giants (72-74)

Rubber match is on deck for Thursday night

Last night’s game was one to forget about. It was a blip in the season, and today’s another day. The Brewers have a series to win tonight against the Giants.

Before tonight’s game, the Brewers made a few roster moves. Enoli Paredes was activated from the 60-day IL, and Elvis Peguero was optioned down to Triple-A Nashville. Rob Zastryzny was also transferred to the 60-day IL to clear a 40-man roster spot. Paredes has been dealing with right forearm tendinitis and has been on rehab at Triple-A Nashville since August 22.

Frankie Montas is on the mound for tonight’s game. He’s given the Brewers good length starts, going at least six innings in each of his last four starts. However, he’s given up at least three runs in his last three starts. While he missed the Giants when the Brewers played them in Milwaukee, he did make a start against them with the Reds earlier this year. On May 12, he allowed five runs (four earned) in 4 ²⁄₃ innings.

On the other side, Hayden Birdsong will get to see the Brewers for the second time in three starts. The Brewers faced him on August 29, roughing him up for five runs in 3 ²⁄₃ innings. That was part of a 6-0 shutout of the Giants that day.

Garrett Mitchell is back in the starting lineup tonight after coming in as a pinch hitter in last night’s game, and Blake Perkins will come off the bench. Willy Adames moves up to fourth in the lineup, with Gary Sanchéz getting a second straight start at DH and batting fifth. The rest of the lineup remains the same from yesterday’s game.

There’s not much to scoreboard watch for tonight. The Cubs, Dodgers, and Phillies all have the day off. If the Brewers want to reduce their magic number and get closer in the chase for a bye, they’ll have to do it themselves.

Here are the full lineups for tonight’s game. First pitch is at 8:45 p.m. on Bally Sports Wisconsin and the Brewers Radio Network.