Week in Review: Injuries Overshadow Strong Week

Weekly Snapshot

Record Last Week: 4-2

Runs Scored: 31

Runs Surrendered: 32

Standing: 2nd in NL Central (0.5 GB)

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Game 17 | MIL 7, SEA 3: Brewers Bring The Pain to The Pacific Northwest

Game 18 | MIL 6, SEA 5

Game 19 | MIL 5, SEA 3

Game 20 | BOS 5, MIL 3

Game 21 | MIL 5, BOS 4

Game 22 | BOS 12, MIL 5

NEWS AND NOTES

Much like the previous week, the accumulating injuries threaten to overshadow the on-field success of the Brewers. The key loss of the week was Garrett Mitchell, who went down with a shoulder injury in Seattle. The first set of MRI tests showed significant damage to Mitchell’s labrum, and will likely require surgery. Both the Brewers and Mitchell will seek a second opinion this coming week, but for now, Mitchell’s season is in jeopardy. 

Blake Perkins was called up to take Mitchell’s place on the big league roster, and made his debut on Saturday. Perkins collected his first major-league hit. The Arizona native was slashing .292/.370/.417 in Triple A.

Corbin Burnes had a bit of a scare in Seattle when he left his first start of the week with a pectoral issue. Burnes still made his next start on Sunday, but lacked the effectiveness from his previous two. 

Sal Frelick likely would’ve been in line for a call-up when Mitchell went down, but is currently battling a thumb injury. Frelick celebrated his 23rd birthday this week by being placed on the 7-day injured list in Triple A. It does sound like Frelick avoided any kind of major injury, so it’s not unlikely the Brewers may find room for Frelick soon.

HIGHLIGHTS

Last week was the week where Rowdy Tellez found his familiar power stroke. The stocky first basemen is now slugging over .500 on the season, after a strong showing in three consecutive series.

It's Rowdy's world and we're just living in it.#ThisIsMyCrew pic.twitter.com/0YFhvInO15

— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) April 22, 2023

Christian Yelich quietly had a nice week, picking up seven hits and scoring six runs. Yelich has yet to have a breakout week, but has been hitting steadily for the most of the season.

Wade Miley continued his great start with another strong outing against the Red Sox Saturday, where he gave up two runs in five innings of work. The Brewers starter now has an ERA under 2.00 and a WHIP under 1.00 on the season.

The Brewers defense has been marvelous early on. They lead MLB in Defensive Runs Saved so far, with players like Joey Wiemer, Brice Turang, and Brian Anderson playing fantastic defense thus far.

What. a. catch. #ThisIsMyCrew pic.twitter.com/mR2a7UG6eL

— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) April 23, 2023

Elvis Peguero made his Brewers debut on Sunday, working a perfect innings including a strikeout. Peguero had been with the team for a week before he made his first appearance.

Peguero makes his Brewers debut a scoreless one!#ThisIsMyCrew pic.twitter.com/RfZjqS7vPH

— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) April 23, 2023

LOWLIGHTS

Other than the injuries, no particular Brewer had that poor of a week. The bullpen allowed a handful of inherited runners to score in the Brewers' loss to the Red Sox on Friday, but were fine overall. Wiemer has struggled at the plate, but picked up two hits on Sunday, and has continued to play fantastic defense.

Matt Bush had a tough outing Sunday, giving up home runs to the first two batters he faced, quickly squandering what was a 4-3 lead. Bush has been the go-to guy for the eighth inning so far this year, but has had trouble keeping the ball in the ballpark. Javy Guerra struggled in relief of Bush, too, surrendering five more runs after Bush had departed.

TRENDING STORYLINE

Can the Brewers stay healthy? All facets of the Brewers' game have been either good or great this year, and Milwaukee has the second-best record in the National League to show for it. Still, injuries are beginning to pile up, it will be hard to maintain the type of success they’ve found so far. If there’s any goal for the coming week other than winning, it’s to keep everyone in good health.

LOOKING AHEAD

The Brewers have a week ahead of them where they can continue to take advantage of their opponents. Both the Tigers and Angels come to town, with a combined record of 18-24 on the season.

MONDAY, 4/24: TIGERS @ BREWERS - LHP Matthew Boyd vs. RHP Colin Rea

TUESDAY, 4/25: TIGERS @ BREWERS - RHP Spencer Turnbull vs. LHP Eric Lauer

WEDNESDAY, 4/26: TIGERS @ BREWERS - RHP Michael Lorenzen vs. RHP Freddy Peralta

FRIDAY, 4/28: ANGELS @ BREWERS - TBD vs. LHP Wade Miley

SATURDAY, 4/29: ANGELS @ BREWERS TBD vs. RHP Corbin Burnes

SUNDAY, 4/30: ANGELS @ BREWERS TBD vs. TBD