The Milwaukee Brewers are holding their breath after center fielder Garrett Mitchell left their game against the Atlanta Braves. Mitchell was hit in the right forearm by a Tyler Mahle pitch in the bottom of the fourth inning.
Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that Mitchell left the game with a right forearm contusion.
Sigh of relief there for player and team.
While he stayed in the game to run the bases, he did not return to play defense in the fifth. Luis Lara took over in center field.
What the Garrett Mitchell Injury News Means
It would be a tough blow for the Brewers if there is more to the injury than a forearm bruise. Mitchell is currently having the healthiest season of his career, playing in a career-high 117 games. He’s slashing .263/.359/.423 with nine home runs and a 119 wRC+.
The Brewers are getting an outfielder back from injury soon. Sal Frelick is currently rehabbing with Triple-A Nashville. He’s been on the injured list since June 18 with a strained right shoulder.
Milwaukee could have Frelick replace Mitchell in the lineup, should the latter need to go on the injured list. In that arrangement, Lara would play a lot of center field and Frelick in right field. It may also result in more starts at first base for Jake Bauers.
The Brewers have a pretty firm hold of the National League Central division. Entering play on August 23, they carry a seven-game lead over the Chicago Cubs for first place. FanGraphs gives them a 93.8% chance to win the division.
Following the game, the Brewers should provide an update on Mitchell’s status and whether this injury necessitates a trip to the injured list.
Brewers Get Garrett Mitchell Injury Update During Braves Game