Brewers and Dodgers face key questions as NLCS begins

The 2026 MLB playoffs are down to four teams: Tampa Bay, Cleveland, Milwaukee and Los Angeles.

The Brewers and Dodgers begin the best-of-seven National League Championship Series on Sunday, while the American League series starts Monday.

Milwaukee is counting on 24-year-old starting pitcher Jacob Misiorowski, who has thrown more innings this season than last year and delivered more than 1,100 pitches at 100 mph or faster.

The Brewers have often given him extra rest and have rarely let him throw 100 pitches in a start, but his workload could become a concern as the series continues.

The Dodgers, meanwhile, need Shohei Ohtani to contribute at the plate, but he has not been himself for some time, likely because of his health.

Los Angeles reached the NLCS after sweeping Atlanta, but Milwaukee is expected to be a tougher opponent.

How Misiorowski holds up and whether Ohtani can produce could help decide which team reaches the World Series.