The Milwaukee Brewers will begin the 2026 season without outfielder Jackson Chourio, who has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a fractured left hand.
The injury dates back to March 4, when Chourio was hit by a pitch from Clayton Beeter while playing for Venezuela in a World Baseball Classic exhibition. Although initial scans showed no break, Chourio continued to play through discomfort—both during the tournament, which Venezuela went on to win, and later in spring action with Milwaukee. It wasn’t until lingering soreness worsened, including on a recent check swing, that an MRI revealed a small hairline fracture in his third metacarpal.
Brewers manager Pat Murphy said: “Things are gonna happen. You gotta be able to just not flinch. I’m disappointed for the kid, because he was so excited about the season coming off the WBC the way he did.” Team officials emphasized the importance of caution, noting that earlier imaging missed the fracture. “They went in there, did an MRI, and they can see things the scans can’t see,” Murphy explained, adding that the injury had already begun healing but could worsen without rest. Milwaukee expects the 22-year-old to be sidelined for roughly two to four weeks. “Hopefully we can get it healed here soon and get back to work. We don’t think it’s long term,” Murphy said.
Chourio has quickly emerged as a cornerstone for the Brewers. Last season, he hit .270 with 21 home runs and 78 RBIs, while leading the team in doubles and triples. Across his first two big-league seasons, he’s already produced multiple 20-home run, 20-steal campaigns—an unprecedented feat for a player his age.
Despite the setback, Chourio remains optimistic. “It’s rough, for sure,” he said. “You want to be out there with them. But I’ll be here supporting them as I always am. It’s a long season, and I’m looking forward to being back soon with them and getting to play a big part in it.”
To fill the roster spot, Milwaukee recalled outfielder Blake Perkins from Triple-A Nashville. He could see increased playing time alongside veteran Christian Yelich, who may shift back into the outfield more regularly during Chourio’s absence.
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