Milwaukee Brewers Weighing Lineup Changes Ahead of MLB Season The Milwaukee Brewers are still searching for a definitive solution in center field as Opening Day approaches, with some insiders suggesting a strategic shift involving Jackson Chourio. Moving Chourio to center and assigning Jake Bauers a full-time left field role has emerged as a potential answer to the team’s offensive needs, though the decision remains uncertain. Chourio, who has primarily played left field throughout his career, has experience in center, having appeared in 89 games at the position during the 2025 season. The argument for repositioning him hinges on unlocking Bauers’ potential. The 25-year-old has been dominant in spring training, batting .457 with a .578 on-base percentage and a 1.114 slugging average in 14 games. His performance has positioned him as a strong contender for an everyday role, a chance that could be realized if Chourio is moved. Bauers’ spring success has been bolstered by his strong finish to the 2025 regular season, where he contributed to the Brewers’ playoff push. His current form has made it difficult to ignore his value, but his placement in left field would require a trade-off. Chourio’s move to center would free up Bauers to settle into a regular role without displacing other players in the lineup. The current center field options, Garett Mitchell and Brandon Lockridge, have struggled to meet the team’s offensive expectations. Mitchell, returning from shoulder surgery, has posted a .296 average with four hits and 20 strikeouts in 12 spring games. Lockridge, while showing more athleticism with 13 hits and four home runs in 15 games, has not demonstrated the power or consistency needed to anchor the position.#milwaukee_brewers #jackson_chourio #jake_bauers #garett_mitchell #brandon_lockridge
Milwaukee Brewers 2026 Preview: Outfield The Milwaukee Brewers’ outfield for the 2026 season is a mix of established talent and emerging potential, with two spots already secured and the third likely to see frequent rotation. Jackson Chourio, Sal Frelick, and Christian Yelich form the core of the outfield, while younger players like Blake Perkins and Brandon Lockridge provide depth. The designated hitter role, transitioning from Christian Yelich’s previous outfield days, will also play a key part in the team’s offensive strategy. Jackson Chourio, the 22-year-old center fielder, has already made a significant impact in his first two MLB seasons. Despite being just 21 when he began his career, Chourio has averaged around three WAR per season, making him one of the most productive players on the team. His offensive upside is evident, with the potential to elevate his batting average and home run totals. While his defensive consistency and plate discipline have shown improvement, especially in spring training, there is room for growth. Chourio’s combination of speed, quick hands, and power could position him as a borderline All-Star if he continues to refine his approach. Sal Frelick, the 25-year-old right fielder, has emerged as a reliable contributor with a strong 2025 season. His OPS improved by over 100 points, and he nearly doubled his home run output from the previous year. Defensively, Frelick remains one of the league’s top corner outfielders, though his 2025 performance fell slightly short of his 2024 Gold Glove-level play. While his power may plateau, Frelick’s potential as a doubles hitter is significant. With a career .288 batting average and 12 homers in 2025, he could easily surpass those numbers if his plate discipline and contact rate improve.#jackson_chourio #milkaukee_brewers #blake_perkins #christian_yelich #sal_frelick
Jackson Chourio to 10-Day IL with Hand Fracture Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a fracture in his left hand, marking a setback for the team on what was intended to be a celebratory Opening Day. The injury occurred when Chourio was struck by a pitch while representing Venezuela in an international tournament. Despite playing through the remainder of the competition and returning to the Brewers after its conclusion, he experienced discomfort while checking his swing, prompting further evaluation. According to Pat Murphy, who discussed the injury on MLB Network’s MLB Central, the Brewers conducted an MRI shortly after Chourio rejoined the team. The scan revealed a “hairline fracture” in his hand, which is already showing signs of healing but requires an additional 2-4 weeks to fully recover. This timeline positions Chourio for a potential season debut in mid-to-late April. Blake Perkins has been named to replace Chourio on the Opening Day roster, with the Brewers relying on their existing depth to fill the gap. Christian Yelich is expected to see increased playing time in left field, while Jake Bauers may also contribute. A defensive alignment featuring Brandon Lockridge, Perkins, and Sal Frelick could be utilized, though the team aims to avoid such a setup unless necessary. The injury adds another challenge to the Brewers’ preparations for the season, as they adjust their plans to accommodate Chourio’s absence. The team’s focus remains on leveraging its current roster to compete effectively in the upcoming campaign.#pat_murphy #jackson_chourio #milkaukee_brewers #venezuela_international_tournament #christian_yelich
Jackson Chourio Injured, Placed on 10-Day Injured List The Milwaukee Brewers announced on Thursday that outfielder Jackson Chourio has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a fractured left hand, effective retroactively from Wednesday. The decision comes just hours before the team’s season opener, and Chourio is expected to miss at least the first 2-4 weeks of the regular season. The injury was discovered after Chourio complained of discomfort, leading to an MRI scan that revealed a small hairline fracture at the base of his middle finger. The injury occurred during an exhibition game for Venezuela on March 4 in West Palm Beach, Florida, as part of the World Baseball Classic. Chourio initially missed the first two games of the tournament but returned to play, including both of the Brewers’ exhibition games against the Cincinnati Reds in Milwaukee on Monday and Tuesday. Manager Pat Murphy expressed disappointment over the injury, stating that Chourio had been eager to participate in the Opening Day festivities. “He was looking forward to this Opening Day. He loved the WBC, obviously, but he had some pain when he would check swing and even throughout his work,” Murphy said on MLB Central. The manager emphasized that the MRI confirmed the fracture and that the injury is already beginning to heal. However, he warned that further damage could occur if Chourio does not take adequate time to recover. To fill the roster spot, the Brewers recalled switch-hitter Blake Perkins from Triple-A Nashville. Perkins, the last outfielder optioned to the minor leagues at the end of Spring Training, will now take Chourio’s place on the Opening Day roster.#world_baseball_classic #milwaukee_brewers #pat_murphy #jackson_chourio #blake_perkins
Brewers place OF Jackson Chourio on IL due to fractured hand - ESPN The Milwaukee Brewers have placed star outfielder Jackson Chourio on the 10-day injured list following a fractured left hand sustained during a game for Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic on March 4. The injury occurred when Chourio was hit by a pitch from Clayton Beeter. Although he continued to play after the incident, he reported discomfort in his hand, and an MRI confirmed a small hairline fracture of the third metacarpal. The move was made retroactive to Wednesday, meaning Chourio will miss time before returning to the lineup. The Brewers estimate Chourio will be sidelined for two to four weeks, which could impact the team’s efforts to secure a playoff berth. The Brewers finished last season with the best record in Major League Baseball, and Chourio’s return is seen as crucial for their postseason ambitions. Last year, Chourio posted a .270 batting average with 21 home runs and 78 RBIs, while leading the team with 35 doubles and four triples. He is entering his third season under an eight-year, $82 million contract signed in 2021. To fill the void left by Chourio’s absence, the Brewers have recalled outfielder Blake Perkins from Triple-A Nashville. Perkins, 26, has spent the past two seasons in the minors and has yet to appear in a major league game. His promotion adds depth to the outfield, though the Brewers will need to rely on other players to step up in Chourio’s absence. The injury comes at a critical time for the Brewers, who are looking to build on their strong 2024 season. Chourio’s production has been a key factor in their success, and his absence could test the team’s depth.#world_baseball_classic #jackson_chourio #milkaukee_brewers #clayton_beeter #triple_a_nashville
World Baseball Classic Quarterfinals Set for This Weekend The World Baseball Classic is entering its final stage as the quarterfinals are scheduled for this weekend, with two games planned each day on Friday and Saturday. Friday’s matchups will feature Korea facing the Dominican Republic at 5:30 p.m. CT on FS2, while Team USA takes on Canada at 7 p.m. on Fox. Saturday’s action includes Puerto Rico versus Italy at 2 p.m. on FS1 and Venezuela against Japan at 8 p.m. on Fox. The Milwaukee Brewers have multiple players representing five of the eight remaining teams in the tournament, though only four of those teams include players on the 40-man roster. The matchups this weekend will include: Venezuela: Catcher William Contreras, outfielder Jackson Chourio, and left-handed pitcher Ángel Zerpa Italy: Third baseman Andrew Fischer, a top prospect for MLB Pipeline Canada: Utility player Tyler Black and left-handed pitcher Rob Zastryzny Team USA: Second baseman Brice Turang Dominican Republic: Right-handed pitcher Abner Uribe The Brewers’ involvement in the tournament highlights the global reach of the team’s roster, with players contributing to multiple international competitions. The quarterfinals will determine which four teams advance to the championship round, setting the stage for the final showdown later in the week.#world_baseball_classic #milkwaukee_brewers #william_contreras #jackson_chourio #angel_zerpa
