Setbacks for the Brewers on Opening Day

Opening Day didn’t exactly start on a high note for the Brewers.

Jackson Choriot, the team’s star outfielder, has fractured his left hand and is now on the 10-day injured list. This comes just ahead of Thursday’s season opener against the reigning National League Central champion White Sox.

Choriot mentioned that he anticipates being sidelined for about two to four weeks.

“Yes, it’s difficult. You want to be outside with them,” he expressed through an interpreter. “But, I guess, I’ll be here, supporting them like always. It’s a long season,” he added.

The absence of Choriot could significantly impact the Brewers, as he’s regarded as one of the top young talents in the game.

The injury occurred when Choriot was hit by a pitch during an exhibition game while playing for Venezuela at the World Baseball Classic on March 4.

Initially, X-ray results showed no signs of a fracture. However, Choriot experienced discomfort during a recent exhibition game against the Reds. An MRI later revealed a small hairline fracture at the base of his middle finger.

While he was expected to return on April 4, the team has already made adjustments by recalling Blake Perkins to fill his spot.

Matt Arnold, the Brewers’ Director of Baseball Operations, remarked, “It seems to be a very minor fracture, but we need to proceed with caution because he’s very important to our team.”

Last season, Choriot participated in 131 games, boasting a .270 batting average and a .770 OPS, along with 21 home runs and 78 RBIs. He similarly hit 21 home runs during his rookie season in 2024.

Over the past two seasons, he has also managed to steal 22 and 21 bases, respectively.

Choriot was pivotal in the team’s success, contributing heavily to their NL Central Division title in both of his first two years. The Brewers secured the division title for the third consecutive year recently.

With a record of 97 wins last year, the team had the highest tally in the National League, despite being swept by the Dodgers in the National League Championship Series.