Brewers Manager Defends Struggling Closer Megill Amid Boos

Milwaukee's Pat Murphy says the team may consider other options but wants to give Megill a chance to regain his form.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 3:26pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a baseball pitcher's motion broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in muted navy, green, and brown tones, conveying the complex emotions and challenges facing the Brewers' struggling relief corps.A fractured, cubist interpretation of a struggling relief pitcher's delivery, reflecting the emotional turmoil and uncertainty surrounding the Brewers' bullpen.Today in Milwaukee

Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy is leaving open the possibility he could at least temporarily consider other closing options due to Trevor Megill's early-season struggles. Megill, an All-Star last season, was booed by the American Family Field crowd while allowing three runs in the ninth inning of a 9-7, 10-inning loss to the Toronto Blue Jays. Murphy said Megill shouldn't be getting booed, particularly after the way the veteran right-hander performed last year, and that he may consider using someone else in the ninth inning, but noted that he didn't want to decide that issue immediately after such an emotional loss.

Why it matters

Megill had 51 combined saves from 2024-25 and posted a 2.49 ERA with 60 strikeouts over 47 innings last year, making him a key part of the Brewers' bullpen. His early struggles this season have put the team in a difficult position as they try to get him back on track while also protecting leads late in games.

The details

Megill entered the game with a 4-3 lead but opened the ninth by walking Eloy Jiménez and allowing a ground-rule double to Davis Schneider. Both runners eventually scored, and Kazuma Okamoto and Ernie Clement had RBI singles off Megill, leading to the loss. Murphy said Megill's velocity is similar to last year, but his pitch execution and results have been poor so far this season.

  • Megill had a combined 51 saves from 2024-25.
  • Megill posted a 2.49 ERA with 60 strikeouts over 47 innings last year.
  • Megill earned the save in Milwaukee's Game 5 victory over the Chicago Cubs in the NL Division Series last year.

The players

Pat Murphy

The manager of the Milwaukee Brewers who is considering other options in the closer role due to Trevor Megill's early-season struggles.

Trevor Megill

The Brewers' closer who had 51 combined saves from 2024-25 and posted a 2.49 ERA with 60 strikeouts over 47 innings last year, but is off to a poor start this season with a 14.40 ERA.

Eloy Jiménez

A Toronto Blue Jays player who walked to start the ninth inning against Megill.

Davis Schneider

A Toronto Blue Jays player who hit a ground-rule double off Megill in the ninth inning.

Kazuma Okamoto

A Toronto Blue Jays player who had an RBI single off Megill in the ninth inning.

Ernie Clement

A Toronto Blue Jays player who had an RBI single off Megill in the ninth inning.

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What they’re saying

“'I'm definitely way better than that. Pitches can be a lot better. Pitch execution can be a lot better. A lot of things can be better.'”

— Trevor Megill, Brewers Closer

“'These aren't machines out there. These are people. I thought that was in poor taste, but I've done things in poor taste, too.'”

— Pat Murphy, Brewers Manager

“'Is he throwing the ball well? No. Is he giving up hard contact? Yes. Do they swing at it like they know it's coming? Yes. But did the guy save 30 games for us last year. I think he did. My heart goes out to him right now. It bleeds for him. He's feeling it.'”

— Pat Murphy, Brewers Manager

What’s next

Murphy said he may consider using someone else in the ninth inning, but noted that he didn't want to decide that issue immediately after such an emotional loss. He will likely evaluate Megill's performance in the coming days and weeks to determine if a change is needed in the closer role.

The takeaway

Megill's early-season struggles have put the Brewers in a difficult position, as he was a key part of their bullpen last year. While the fans have voiced their frustration, Murphy is defending Megill and wants to give him a chance to regain his form before potentially making a change in the closer role.