Brewers Pre-Memorial Day Status Updates: The Outfield

Major League Roster

Christian Yelich has flashed a bit more power than 2022, but the walks have gone down. The baserunning and defense have remained superb. Joey Wiemer has taken over center field since Garrett Mitchell went on the 60-day injured list with a shoulder injury that could cost him the balance of 2023. Both provided excellent defense, but Wiemer has struggled offensively. Tyrone Taylor’s defense since his return from his elbow injury has been excellent, even with some offensive issues.

Brian Anderson and Owen Miller have also seen time in the corner outfield spots, and both have hit well. While primarily filling the DH role, Jesse Winker has seen some time in the outfield, while Darin Ruf hasn’t been in the outfield for the Crew, but did see action there in previous seasons with other teams.

Other 40-Man Options

Blake Perkins has been the other outfielder on the 40-man roster. While he played well at AAA, his brief stint in Milwaukee wasn’t much to write home about, at the plate or afield. Should an outfielder go down, he’s likely the first call-up.
In The Minors

Sal Frelick struggled at Nashville, then went on the shelf after an impressive spring. The real shame is that, were he healthy, he could help the big-league team right now. Keston Hiura settled into primarily playing left field, but is also on the injured list. Skye Bolt has been solid for the Sounds, while Monte Harrison and Tyler Naquin have both struggled a bit.

Jackson Chourio has played well for a 19-year-old in Doub;e A, but his OPS is barely above .700. Noah Campbell has had a legitimate breakout so far in Biloxi, but Joe Gray Jr., Tristan Lutz, and Lamar Sparks have all hit some developmental walls. Carlos D. Rodriguez has flashed excellent OBP skills and some speed.

Micah Bello’s retirement still leaves Wisconsin with some struggling prospects. Je’Von Ward, Terrence Dotson, and Hendry Mendez all are posting sub-.650 OPSs, and Eduarqi Fernandez has flashed power since a promotion from Carolina.
Luis Lara is a bright spot for the Mudcats since being given an aggressive promotion. Jace Avina and Hedbert Perez have slumped after starting the season in Carolina, with Perez’s bright spot being improved OBP skills. Kay-Lan Nicasa is getting on base at a high rate (.392 OBP) for the Mudcats as well.

Overview

The Brewers have been snakebitten by injuries in 2023, but the real problem has been their offensive performance. Ideally, Wiemer would be playing every day in Nashville, but injuries at the major league level to start the season (Luis Urias, Tyrone Taylor) and later on (Garrett Mitchell) have pushed him to Milwaukee, where he will likely remain, barring a trade or recovery by Frelick and Hiura, whose injuries have bought Winker and Luke Voit time in Milwaukee as well.

That said, over the long term, the Brewers outfield picture still looks pretty bright, and the team is holding onto first place through May 23, but to stay there, the team will have to see improvements at the plate from these players.