The Milwaukee Brewers have opened the year strong, winning three of their first four games. However, they have had to do so without their brightest young player, Jackson Chourio.
The 22-year-old outfielder was an unexpected addition to the 15-day injured list hours before Milwaukee’s Opening Day matchup last Thursday against the Chicago White Sox.
Chourio is dealing with a fracture in his left hand. The injury occurred during his time at the World Baseball Classic with Team Venezuela, and although he played through it after initial X-rays came back negative, a follow up MRI revealed the fracture. The Brewers then placed him on the injured list with no immediate timetable for his return.
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In his absence, the Brewers have leaned on their outfield depth, particularly Jake Bauers, who has appeared in every game so far. However, Bauers is likely to shift to first base more frequently following Andrew Vaughn’s recent injury.
With the outfield depth now stretched even thinner, any encouraging update on Chourio’s status is good news for Milwaukee. Fortunately, they received one on Tuesday before their game against the Tampa Bay Rays.
According to Hunter Baumgardt of Fox Sports 920, Chourio is receiving treatment on his fractured hand, and the Brewers finally have a timeline for his return, which is now estimated for mid to late April.
Chourio will likely need a rehab assignment before returning to the big-league roster, but when he does, it will be a major boost. Across 131 games last season, he posted a .270 batting average, .308 on base percentage, .770 OPS, 21 home runs and 78 RBIs. He also stole 21 bases and played excellent defense in the outfield.
Chourio dealt with recurring hamstring issues last year that forced a month-long stint on the injured list in August and resurfaced during Milwaukee’s postseason run. Fortunately, that appears to be behind him, but now this left hand injury has delayed his 2026 debut.
He will continue working toward a full recovery while Milwaukee attempts to stay afloat without him. Chourio remains one of the most important long-term pieces for the Brewers, signed to an eight-year $82 million contract extension that keeps him with the organization through the 2031 season.
If he returns on schedule, Milwaukee’s lineup should quickly feel the impact of having its young superstar back in the mix.
