A week after the Milwaukee Brewers placed Trevor Megill on the injured list with a flexor strain, Jared Koenig stepped into the closer role and notched his first save of the 2025 season, and just the second save of his career.
Before Koenig’s save opportunity on September 3, the Brewers had one other chance to record a save, but they chose Abner Uribe for the ninth inning in that contest. During the Phillies game, Uribe pitched the eighth inning, throwing 18 pitches, and was not used for a multi-inning save, handing the ball over to Koenig to close out the game.
Milwaukee Brewers reliever Jared Koenig notches first save of the 2025 season
With Philadelphia’s 8-9-1 hitters due up in the ninth, Koenig opened the inning by inducing a flyout from Edmundo Sosa. He then clipped Weston Wilson’s foot with a breaking ball, putting a runner on base. Unfazed, Koenig bounced back by striking out Trea Turner and getting Kyle Schwarber to ground out, sealing the Brewers’ 86th win of the season and lowering his season ERA to 3.32.
Offensively, the Brewers wasted no time jumping on Aaron Nola, scoring five runs before he could record an out. The damage was fueled by a two-run single from Sal Frelick and a three-run homer off the bat of Isaac Collins. The big first inning was set up by a leadoff walk, a hit-by-pitch, and a solid base hit to load the bases with no outs.
Trevor Megill injury update
When Megill landed on the injured list with a flexor strain, he revealed that he has had this injury in the past, and that this year’s did not feel as severe. The hope is that he will spend the minimum amount of time on the IL. He is currently throwing out to 120 feet and will throw a bullpen on Thursday, September 4.
While Megill remains sidelined, the Brewers are fortunate to have multiple high-leverage arms capable of stepping into the closer role. Uribe and Koenig have both shown they can handle the pressure, giving manager Pat Murphy flexibility late in games.
Uribe’s electric stuff makes him a natural option, while Koenig’s poise and ability to induce soft contact add a different, but equally effective, dynamic. In a playoff race where every win matters, having more than one reliable ninth-inning option is a luxury few teams can claim.
