Kyle Harrison Leads Milwaukee Brewers While Former Star Willy Adames Struggles in San Francisco Return

Kyle Harrison has established himself as one of baseball's most effective pitchers this season, posting an ERA that ranks third in the major leagues while often overshadowed by teammate Jacob Misiorowski. The Milwaukee Brewers face the San Francisco Giants in a four-game series that brings together former division rivals and reunites the team with players who departed during the offseason.

Harrison's Dominant Season

Through ten starts, Harrison has allowed only nine runs, positioning him third in ERA behind the Yankees' Cam Schlittler (1.50 ERA) and Philadelphia's Cristopher Sánchez (1.47 ERA)—both considered leading Cy Young Award candidates. Over his last three outings spanning 18 innings, Harrison has not surrendered a run while striking out 20 batters against just one walk. Despite Misiorowski's recent success, including seven scoreless innings in a recent Brewers victory, Harrison's consistency and control suggest a case for ERA qualification if he reaches the required innings threshold.

The Brewers offense provided Harrison with immediate support Monday evening, recording 16 runs against San Francisco starter Landon Roupp. Milwaukee's lineup featured aggressive production after managing only nine runs across the preceding weekend, with adjustments including Garrett Mitchell entering left field while Jake Bauers moved to first base. Jackson Chourio and Sal Frelick completed the outfield alignment alongside Mitchell.

Former Brewers Return in New Uniforms

The Giants roster includes two notable former Milwaukee contributors: shortstop Willy Adames and pitcher Adrian Houser. Adames, who signed a seven-year, $182 million contract with San Francisco before the current season, spent four seasons anchoring the Brewers' infield beginning with his midseason acquisition from Tampa Bay in 2021. His defensive metrics have declined notably—he registered minus-8 in Outs Above Average this season compared to plus-10 in 2022 and plus-16 in 2023. Offensively, Adames posted a .707 OPS with eight home runs and 23 RBIs, below his career trajectory and the .794 OPS he maintained during his final Brewers season.

Houser, who debuted with Milwaukee in 2015 and contributed regularly through 2023 with a 4.00 ERA, now pitches for San Francisco after being traded to the New York Mets following the 2023 season. The Brewers obtained pitcher Coleman Crow in that transaction. Houser will face his former team in Thursday's series finale, marking his return to American Family Field as an opponent.