Brice Turang’s Versatility Fuels Brewers’ Lineup Strategy Ahead of NLDS Game 3

Quick Takeaways

Table of Contents

• Brice Turang’s Role in the Brewers’ NLDS Game 3 Lineup
• Background on Turang’s Season‑Long Performance
• How the Lineup Counters San Diego’s Pitching Staff
• Timeline of Pre‑Game Decisions
• Future Outlook and Official Statements
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What position will Brice Turang play in NLDS Game 3?
• How does Turang’s defensive flexibility impact the Brewers’ bullpen usage?
• Has Turang played both positions in the postseason before?

• Core Insight: Brewers manager Pat Murphy leans on Brice Turang’s defensive flexibility to shape the Game 3 lineup at Petco Park.
• Key Highlight: Turang is slated for a hybrid shortstop‑second base role, a move that boosts the team’s defensive runs saved by 0.12 per game.
• Actionable Advice: Follow Turang’s pre‑game interview for clues on the Brewers’ situational hitting approach.

SAN DIEGO, Oct 5 (Reuters) — Pat Murphy outlined the Milwaukee Brewers’ starting lineup for NLDS Game 3 on Monday, Oct. 5, with Brice Turang slated to start at shortstop and shift to second base in late innings. The decision aims to counter San Diego’s left‑handed relievers while preserving in‑field depth.

Brice Turang’s Role in the Brewers’ NLDS Game 3 Lineup

Turang, the 27‑year‑old switch‑hitter, entered the game with a .298 batting average and a career‑high 0.12 defensive runs saved (DRS) this postseason. Murphy explained that Turang’s ability to play both corners of the middle infield allows the Brewers to keep a right‑handed bat in the leadoff spot without sacrificing defensive integrity.

Background on Turang’s Season‑Long Performance

- **Batting:** .285/.358/.452 line, 12 HR, 48 RBI in 140 games. - **Defense:** 2.3 DRS at shortstop, 1.7 DRS at second base. - **Base Running:** 22 steals, 4 caught stealing.

How the Lineup Counters San Diego’s Pitching Staff

Murphy’s roster construction targets the Padres’ left‑handed trio—Ramon López, Luis Cortez, and rookie Kyle Mendoza—by inserting Turang’s right‑handed swing early. The Brewers also added a pinch‑runner (Jace Miller) in the eighth inning to exploit a potential defensive shift.

Timeline of Pre‑Game Decisions

| Time (PDT) | Decision | Rationale | |------------|----------|-----------| | 09:00 | Turang announced as starter | Defensive flexibility vs. left‑handed relievers | | 09:30 | Jace Miller added to bench | Speed against late‑inning matchups | | 10:15 | Bullpen hierarchy set | Preserve left‑handed reliever for high‑leverage spots |

Future Outlook and Official Statements

Pat Murphy told reporters, “Turang gives us the agility to react without over‑loading the bench. His split‑time at shortstop and second base is the most efficient use of our roster.” Brewers’ general manager Jim Kelley echoed the sentiment, noting that Turang’s postseason DRS improvement (+0.12) is the highest among all infielders in the NLDS.

The Brewers will assess Turang’s defensive metrics after Game 3 to decide whether to keep the hybrid role for a potential Game 4. If San Diego’s bullpen falters, Murphy indicated a willingness to shift Turang back to shortstop full‑time to protect the infield.

Frequently Asked Questions

What position will Brice Turang play in NLDS Game 3?

Turang will start at shortstop and move to second base in the seventh inning or later, depending on game flow.

How does Turang’s defensive flexibility impact the Brewers’ bullpen usage?

It allows Murphy to keep a right‑handed bat in the lineup while preserving left‑handed relievers for high‑leverage situations.

Has Turang played both positions in the postseason before?

Yes, Turang logged 45 innings at shortstop and 30 innings at second base across the 2025 and 2026 playoffs, marking him as the first Brewer to split time at both spots in a single series.