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Outfielder’s Return Could Create Dilemma For Brewers

Injured center fielder Garrett Mitchell’s highly anticipated return could create an interesting dilemma for the first-place Milwaukee Brewers.

Outfielder’s Return Could Create Dilemma For Brewers

Considering the Brewers’ early-season success and excessive outfield depth, it remains unclear how Mitchell will fit into the scheme. The Brewers’ former 2020 first-round draft pick (No. 20 overall), was originally slated to be the team’s starting center fielder and potential lead-off hitter before suffering a devastating fracture in his left index finger at the end of a strong spring training.

He recently began his rehab assignment by competing in two games with the Arizona Complex League affiliate before his name was added to the roster of the Nashville Sounds, the Brewers’ Triple-A team, on June 13. With the continued progress, a long-awaited return to the big-league club appears imminent.

 

Mitchell Making Progress In Rehab Assignment

Mitchell was officially placed on the 60-day injured list on April 14. Following a lengthy recovery process, he was assigned to the ACL Brewers on June 10. He went 2-for-4 with a walk, three RBI and two runs scored in an encouraging first game back. During the two-game stint, the 6-foot-3, 224-pound left-handed hitter served as a designated hitter and logged seven solid innings in center field.

 

The Brewers have an abundance of outfielders. They include the likes of Christian Yelich, Sal Frelick, Blake Perkins, and Jackson Chourio. Because of that depth, it remains a question mark as to how the former UCLA standout will ultimately be utilized.

Perkins has thrived in Mitchell’s absence. Notably, showcasing his offensive and defensive abilities along the way. He currently maintains a .248 batting average with 51 hits, six doubles, five home runs, 21 RBI and 10 stolen bases through 61 games this season. Defensively, he has started 55 games and registered 166 putouts and two assists with one error through 500 full innings. He also made a game-saving throw to the plate, helping preserve the team’s dramatic 5-4 victory over the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field on Sunday afternoon.

Chourio, the team’s rookie sensation, has also been playing well to only complicate matters for first-year Brewers manager Pat Murphy. “You talk to him, he’s feeling great,” said Murphy of Mitchell’s progress in an interview Sunday. “You talk to everybody else, he’s rusty. Understandable.”

Mitchell Limited By Injuries During Time With Brewers

Mitchell, 25, made his memorable major-league debut with the Brewers on August 27, 2022, finishing with a .311 batting average including 19 hits with two home runs (highlighted by his first career homer) and nine RBI in a season-ending 28-game span.

 

Last season, he suffered a shoulder injury which required surgery and was limited to 19 games for the Brewers. Frustratingly, he generated a .246 batting average with three homers and seven RBI in the shortened campaign.

Following a strong spring individual performance in 2024, Mitchell was riding high before being derailed with the freaky batting practice injury prior to Opening Day. Now it will be intriguing to watch how the injured center fielder’s anticipated return factors into the team’s plans. Maintaining a 6 1/2 game lead in the division, it may be the perfect time to add more firepower.

Main Photo Credits: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Jeff Hagenau

Jeff Hagenau

Jeff has been a sports writer in southeast Wisconsin for the past 27 years, covering at the high school, collegiate and professional levels. He graduated from Carroll University with a degree in journalism and covers the Milwaukee Brewers for Last Word On Sports.

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