Brewers Pitcher Shane Drohan Exits NLCS Game 4
Shane Drohan left his start against the Dodgers after reporting elbow soreness following 25 pitches.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Baseball
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Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Shane Drohan exited Game 4 of the NLCS on October 15 after experiencing elbow soreness. Pat Murphy replaced the 27-year-old with Dustin May during the second inning.
Why it matters
The unexpected removal of a starting pitcher complicates Milwaukee's bullpen strategy during the postseason. Brewers manager Pat Murphy had utilized a planned bullpen game approach due to Drohan's long layoff since his last appearance on September 27.
Shane Drohan threw 25 pitches before exiting the game. Following the pitching change, Shohei Ohtani hit a three-run home run against Dustin May to give the Dodgers a 4-0 lead.
The players
Shane Drohan
The 27-year-old pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers was removed from the NLCS contest due to physical injury.
Pat Murphy
He serves as the manager for the Milwaukee Brewers and directed the pitching strategy for Game 4.
Dustin May
The relief pitcher was called upon by the Brewers to replace Drohan on the mound during the second inning.
Shohei Ohtani
A prominent player for the Los Angeles Dodgers who hit a three-run home run during the game.
The details
Drohan was removed from the game at Dodger Stadium after allowing a leadoff single to Kyle Tucker. The Dodgers capitalized on the bullpen change, extending their advantage to 4-0.
Timeline
September 27, 2026: Shane Drohan makes his final game appearance before the NLCS.
October 15, 2026: Shane Drohan pitches the first inning of Game 4 of the NLCS.
Season Trajectory
This injury forces the Brewers to adjust their pitching rotation for Game 5 and beyond. The shift impacts Milwaukee's ability to maintain a reliable bullpen sequence against the Dodgers in this series.
The loss of Drohan shortens the Brewers pitching staff for the remainder of the NLCS. Fans and analysts should monitor rotation updates as the series shifts to the next scheduled game.
The takeaway
Sudden injuries during a postseason bullpen game highlight the fragility of pitching depth in a high-stakes series. Managers must remain agile, often relying on deeper bench options when starters are sidelined mid-game.
What happens next
Shane Drohan is expected to be unavailable for Game 5.
Further reading
For additional updates on the team, visit the Milwaukee Baseball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Newsweek.
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