Brewers have two early National League MVP candidates on their hands…..

The Brewers have two early National League MVP candidates on their hands.

MILWAUKEE — William Contreras finally has a day off.

At least according to Contreras’ criteria.

Contreras, who has started each of the Milwaukee Brewers’ first 39 games this season, was back in the starting lineup Sunday afternoon. But for the first time in a week, and only the sixth time this season, Contreras was not behind the plate as the Brewers faced the St. Louis Cardinals in the series finale at American Family Field.

Overall, Contreras has started 77 consecutive games for the Brewers. His last full day off was on August 20 of last season. He returned to the starting lineup two days later, when Milwaukee returned from an off-day to begin a two-game series, and played all but six innings of the team’s last 37 games, batting.331/.429/.500 with five home runs, 25 RBI, and a.929 OPS.

He has surpassed those stats while keeping his durability and emerging as a strong leader for the Brewers this season. Contreras was hitting.342/.427/.526 with five home runs, 22 RBI, and a.953 OPS before Sunday’s game against the Cardinals.

“He’s unconscious right now,” Brewers manager Pat Murphy explained. “They’re trying to pitch around him and he’s still hitting — and he’s doing it for us in big positions.”

William Contreras, Christian Yelich are Early MVP Candidates for Brewers

Contreras Contributing in Different Ways

Even when he isn’t hitting, Contreras finds ways to contribute, as evidenced by his Friday and Saturday night box scores.

Contreras had a hit in each of those games, both doubles, but he also drew two walks each night, and Murphy saw those walks as a better indicator of his offensive aptitude than his hits.

“That is exactly what needs to happen. When the game deals you a walk, you must walk the walk. I firmly believe that. These players want to hit and be the guy, but if the game says the ball is going down and away, you won’t do anything with it. So you have to learn to pass the baton, which is sometimes difficult, but William has done an excellent job of it all year. He’s winning pitches and taking what the game provides him.”

When Contreras passes the baton, good things happen, and Friday and Saturday nights are prime examples. Contreras scored five runs in the two games and one more on Sunday, bringing his total to 37 for the season, the most among all National League players.

Among the Best

Contreras’ name appears throughout the National League leaderboards. Prior to Sunday’s 4-3 loss to the Cardinals, Contreras was second in OBP (.427) and hits (52), third in doubles (13), fourth in RBI (30) and batting average (.342), and fifth with 80 total bases and 18 extra-base hits.

Put it all together, along with the Brewers’ early-season success, and Contreras is a legitimate contender for the NL MVP Award by the conclusion of the season.

However, in order for that to happen, Contreras must remain healthy, which means Murphy will need to give him an actual day off at some point.

“He’s a warrior in that he wants to compete every day,” Pat Murphy remarked. “He doesn’t want to back off, yet he doesn’t know how. He only wants to assault. It’s difficult because he never wants to go there, and we need him to stay well. But you cannot instruct a lion not to hunt.”