Brewers’ Jackson Chourio Faces MRI Following Hamstring Injury in NLDS Game 1 Exit
MILWAUKEE — In a standout playoff performance that captivated fans, Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio made history by becoming the first player to secure three hits in the first two innings of a postseason game. However, the joy was tempered by concern as he left Saturday’s NL Division Series opener against the Chicago Cubs with tightness in his right hamstring.
Chourio’s injury raises questions for the Brewers as they advance in the playoffs. Following the 9-3 victory, Brewers manager Pat Murphy confirmed that Chourio underwent an MRI to assess the injury. This issue is particularly worrisome as Chourio previously missed a month during the regular season due to a similar hamstring injury.
Chourio provides an update on his injury
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his condition, Chourio, speaking through an interpreter, expressed optimism. “They haven’t said anything,” he stated. “We’re still waiting. But physically I feel good, and I feel in a position where I’m ready to keep going and keep competing.”
However, Murphy shared a more cautious outlook. “Obviously, it’s real scary,” he noted. “Having that same hamstring injury to the same leg, we’re hoping that it’s something he can come back from soon. We have no idea when that would be.”
The injury occurred during a pivotal moment in the game when Chourio hit a bases-loaded grounder. After Cubs third baseman Matt Shaw executed a diving stop, Chourio managed to beat the throw to first base for an RBI single, expanding Milwaukee’s lead to 9-1. However, he appeared to move awkwardly after crossing the base. Chourio left the field after a visit from Murphy and head athletic trainer Brad Epstein.
“It was just frustrating with the moment,” Chourio remarked. “But once we were kind of talking and having the advantage that we had there in the game, it was more precautionary to come out.”
Chourio’s impressive postseason track record
Before his early exit, Chourio played a significant role in the Brewers’ offensive surge, hitting a leadoff double and a two-run single as part of a six-run first inning. Throughout his brief postseason career, Chourio has impressively batted 8 of 14 with six RBIs in just four playoff games. Last season, he capped off his rookie year with a solid performance, hitting 5 of 11 with two home runs in the Brewers’ NL Wild Card Series loss to the New York Mets.
“I think it’s the adrenaline,” Chourio reflected on his success in clutch moments. “I love playing in these pressure situations, and I really see it as a blessing being able to compete and achieve the results that I’ve had.”
Rookie Isaac Collins steps up
With Chourio’s departure, 28-year-old rookie Isaac Collins made his postseason debut. Collins, who replaced Chourio on the basepaths and took over in left field, went 0 for 2 in the contest. If Chourio is sidelined for an extended period, Collins may play a more significant role in the Brewers’ playoff journey.
“Getting thrown into the fire like that is always tough, but I’m glad I got my feet wet,” Collins said. He concluded the regular season with a .263 batting average, a .368 on-base percentage, nine home runs, and 54 RBIs, although he struggled towards the end with a 9-for-51 slump.
As the Milwaukee Brewers gear up for the next stage of the postseason, the organization will closely monitor Chourio’s condition, hoping to keep their playoff momentum alive.
