Brewers lose star player to IL unexpectedly before opening day
The Milwaukee Brewers face a challenging start to the 2026 season as star outfielder Jackson Chourio heads to the 10-day injured list with a fractured right hand. Chourio sustained the injury after being hit by a pitch during a spring training game against the Cubs, a significant blow for a player who recently became the first in MLB history to post 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases in each of his first two seasons. Last year, Chourio hit .
275 with 24 homers and 22 steals while appearing in 148 games, proving to be the primary engine for the Milwaukee offense. His absence leaves a void in center field where he recorded 12 defensive runs saved and an elite range factor during the 2025 campaign. MORE: 5 MLB rookies to keep your eyes on in 2026 Early Season Outlook Without Jackson Chourio Feb 27, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio against the Chicago White Sox during a spring training game at American Family Fields of Phoenix.
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The timing of this injury forces Milwaukee to rethink its strategy for the first month of the 2026 calendar. Chourio contributed 82 RBI and scored 94 runs last year, meaning the team must find a way to replace nearly 15 percent of its total run production from the previous season.
Recovery for a fractured metacarpal typically spans six to eight weeks, which could keep the young star sidelined through most of April and May. During this stretch, the team will lean on its pitching staff, which finished last season with a 3. 65 team ERA and a league-leading 1,450 strikeouts.
Internal depth will be the key to maintaining a winning record in the NL Central. Sal Frelick is expected to slide into center field to cover for Chourio, bringing a . 268 batting average and 15 stolen bases from his previous season.