MLB insiders are raising red flags about Milwaukee Brewers left-hander Kyle Harrison after a disastrous outing that could cost him his spot in the postseason rotation.
Harrison was pulled after just 1.2 innings on Thursday, having surrendered five runs — four earned — on four hits in a 7-4 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates.
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A rough stretch at the worst time
Aug 18, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Kyle Harrison (52) delivers a pitch agaiinst the Seattle Mariners in the first inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
Harrison opened the game with a scoreless first inning before completely unraveling in the second. The outing extended an alarming trend: he has now allowed 21 earned runs over just nine innings across his last four appearances. His season ERA has climbed to 4.25 through 112.1 innings, with a 1.34 WHIP, and with the regular season winding down, it appears increasingly likely he’ll be shifted back to Milwaukee’s bullpen rather than trusted with a rotation spot in October.
Despite the recent struggles, the 25-year-old isn’t ready to concede his role without a fight. “I’m not going to give in,” Harrison said after the game. “I’m going to keep working and fighting.”
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From breakout star to question mark
May 9, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Kyle Harrison (52) delivers a pitch against the New York Yankees in the first inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
Harrison’s season has been a story of two halves. Acquired by Milwaukee in a six-player trade with the Boston Red Sox ahead of spring training, he was electric out of the gate, finishing May with a 1.57 ERA — surpassing CC Sabathia’s 2008 mark for the best ERA by a left-hander through his first 10 starts with the Brewers.
That performance put him in the conversation, alongside teammate Jacob Misiorowski, as a potential National League All-Star. But a left forearm injury sidelined him for most of July, and he hasn’t looked the same since returning.
His role heading into October now remains uncertain. The Brewers, at 95-58, hold a commanding 10-game lead over the Chicago Cubs atop the NL Central and currently sit as the top seed in the National League. Milwaukee opens a three-game weekend series against the Baltimore Orioles on Friday, giving Harrison and the coaching staff a few more chances to sort out his role before the postseason arrives.
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