Welcome to The Pregame Lineup, a weekday newsletter that gets you up to speed on everything you need to know, brought to you by David Adler. Today, we're fascinated by whatever the heck the Brewers were doing yesterday to get ready for World Series Game 3.
The World Series moves to Tropicana Field tonight, in all its domed glory. And the Brewers aren't taking any chances with those catwalks up there.
The Brew Crew was spotted doing some … uh … unique fielding practice before Game 3 of the Fall Classic, as they look to take a commanding 3-0 lead in the series.
Third-base coach Matt Erickson was taking aim at The Trop's famous catwalks with a pitching machine and sending baseballs rocketing into the sky. The goal? Target practice for Milwaukee's infielders and outfielders, so they can be ready for any roof ball during the games. It's already happened once this postseason, after all.
Whenever a ball caromed off a catwalk, the Brewers fielders below had to react and make the catch.
The Trop has four catwalks under the roof -- the A-, B-, C- and D-rings. Any fair ball that hits the lower- and outermost two catwalks (C-ring and D-ring) is a home run. A fair ball that hits either of the top two catwalks (A-ring and B-ring) is in play, and the fielders can catch it for an out.
That's what happened to Spencer Jones in the ALDS. Even though the Yankees slugger's fly ball stayed up in the catwalks for 10 whole seconds, Rays right fielder Victor Mesa Jr. was ready to make the grab when it finally came down. Can of corn.
No wonder the Brewers are taking no chances. According to the Rays’ media guide, 200 fair balls had hit the catwalks entering the 2026 season. It could totally happen again in the World Series. Then we'll see if the Brewers' pinball practice actually helps.
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We asked you for your World Series predictions before Game 1 on Friday, and the vast majority of you went with the Brew Crew. So you all looked smart over the weekend.
The Brewers got 77% of the votes in our poll, compared to just 23% for the Rays. And now they're two wins away from their first championship.
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EVERYTHING TO KNOW FOR GAME 3 |
Can the Brewers move within one win of their first World Series title? Or will the Rays get on the board at home? Here's what you need to know for Game 3 tonight.
Brewers at Rays
8 p.m. ET on FOX/FOX Deportes/FOX One
The World Series so far:
The Brewers pulled out two hard-fought, one-run wins in the first World Series games in Milwaukee since 1982. In Game 1, they took the lead early behind captain Christian Yelich and ace Jacob Misiorowski, then held on late with a high-wire save from Trevor Megill. In Game 2, they chipped away at a 4-0 deficit until Sal Frelick's game-tying homer and Cooper Pratt's go-ahead base hit lifted them past the Rays.
Today's pitching matchup: Robert Gasser (Brewers) vs. Freddy Peralta (Rays)
If the Rays are going to get back into this series, it starts with Fastball Freddy, who's facing his old team tonight. Peralta was a two-time All-Star over his eight seasons with the Brewers. Now he has to beat them. The ALCS MVP has been awesome this postseason, with a 1.08 ERA.
Fun fact: Freddy was the starting pitcher the last time the Rays hosted the Brewers at The Trop (May 21, 2023). He was just on the other team.
Key storylines:
Is the Brewers' bullpen untouchable? Milwaukee relievers have a 1.24 ERA this postseason. Aaron Ashby has pitched in eight of the Brewers' 10 games, thrown 15 2/3 innings and not allowed a single run. If the Rays can't hit the Brewers' bullpen, they can't win this series.
Can the Rays clean things up? The Rays win because they play crisp, clean baseball. But they were uncharacteristically sloppy in Game 2, both defensively and on the bases. Those bad fundies prompted Junior Caminero to send a fiery message to the team. The Rays need to get back to their identity, and fast.
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HE'S WALKED TO EVERY GAME FOR 40 YEARS |
Here's a story that will make you want to get your steps in.
The Brewers have played 3,265 games in Milwaukee since 1986. One fan has WALKED to every single one of them -- and that includes the first two games of this year's World Series.
His name is Bob Koehler, and ever since he moved to Milwaukee’s Story Hill neighborhood 40 years ago, he's been walking to every Brewers home game. He hasn't missed one game over those four decades.
Koehler even always leaves at precisely the same time -- 6:25 p.m. for a 7 p.m. game -- to make the 12-minute walk to his seat, which is right next to the Brewers' dugout.
After 40 years of walking, he's finally gotten to make the stroll to two Fall Classic games -- and he got to see two Brewers victories. With the Brewers now up 2-0 on the Rays, they might even be World Series champions before he gets to walk to any more.
Adam McCalvy has the full story here >>
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WE'D KNOW THOSE GLASSES ANYWHERE |
The mad genius behind the Rays' first pennant run is coming back to The Trop tonight.
Joe Maddon, who managed the 2008 Rays to their first World Series appearance with his innovative tactics and idiosyncratic style, will throw out the first pitch before Game 3.
That was actually the last time The Trop hosted the Fall Classic, since the only other time the Rays were in it, 2020, the World Series was played all at the Rangers' Globe Life Field.
The Rays even hinted on social media yesterday that Maddon would be making a grand entrance at Tropicana Field, posting a picture of his signature black-rimmed glasses.
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LINDOR WINS CLEMENTE AWARD |
Embodying the spirit of his idol and countryman, Francisco Lindor was named the winner of the 2026 Roberto Clemente Award today.
The Clemente Award is MLB's highest off-field honor, recognizing the philanthropic efforts of one player each year. Lindor, who is a four-time nominee, is the fifth Puerto Rican player to win the award, joining Edgar Martínez, Carlos Delgado, Carlos Beltrán and Yadier Molina.
Lindor will receive the award at Tropicana Field tonight before Game 3 of the World Series.
"It inspired my generation," Lindor said of Clemente’s lessons. "Hopefully, this inspires another generation to continue to care for others, continue to love your neighbors, continue to give back."
Read more here >>
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