UPDATE: Milwaukee Brewers centerfielder Jackson Chourio is facing uncertainty for Game 2 of the NLDS against the Chicago Cubs on Monday. An MRI on his right hamstring returned inconclusive results, raising concerns for his immediate playing status, according to manager Pat Murphy.
Chourio, just 21 years old, exited Game 1 on Saturday after successfully legging out an infield hit in the second inning. This same hamstring was previously injured in July during a game against the Cubs, putting his ability to participate in this crucial playoff series in serious doubt.
“I can’t give you a definitive, but I know that we’re going to test some things today,” Murphy stated on Sunday afternoon. “He’s going to be out there today. I don’t know that he’ll do much, but the MRI came back and it’s inconclusive and it’s not a serious hamstring strain, but it’s not necessarily something that won’t limit him.”
In his brief appearance in Game 1, Chourio was impressive, going 3 for 3, contributing to the Brewers’ 9-3 victory. If Chourio is unable to play, rookie Isaac Collins is expected to step in as his replacement.
In addition to Chourio’s status, Murphy also confirmed that left-handed pitcher Aaron Ashby will take the mound for Game 2. However, Ashby is not expected to last long after throwing just 1⅓ innings in Saturday’s game. He is primarily being utilized to counter the Cubs’ leadoff man Michael Busch, who hit a homer to start Game 1.
“He could go as long as we want him to,” Murphy noted regarding Ashby’s role.
After Ashby, righty Quinn Priester is anticipated to take over for the Brewers, although Murphy did not clarify his full plans for the pitching strategy. The Cubs will counter with lefty Shota Imanaga, who previously pitched in Game 2 of the wild-card round against the San Diego Padres.
“He’s a competitor,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said of Imanaga. “And I think he’s a thinking-man’s competitor, and he also pitches with a lot of joy on the mound, while competing at a really high level.”
Despite a 5.73 ERA in four career games against the Brewers, including three starts this season, Imanaga remains confident in his approach. “I think all the hitters, they understand what they need to do, and I think that’s the Brewers’ offense,” he said.
Murphy acknowledged the challenges Imanaga presents, particularly his fastball velocity. “His heater plays way up,” Murphy remarked. “If it says 91, the hitter sees it as 95 to 96.”
As the Brewers prepare for this critical matchup, fans and players alike are anxiously awaiting updates on Chourio. His potential absence could have significant ramifications for Milwaukee’s playoff aspirations. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
