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Brewers outfielder Sal Frelick will undergo an MRI today after he left Friday’s game with a left hip injury. During the third inning of Milwaukee’s 8-4 win over the Mets, Frelick collided with the wall down the right field line while chasing a foul ball, landing in a cutout area of the padded wall. Frelick exited the field gingerly, clearly in discomfort.
X-rays on Frelick’s hip yielded inconclusive results, according to Brewers manager Pat Murphy speaking to reporters after the game. An MRI has been scheduled for this morning to assess the extent of Frelick’s injury, with the NL wild card series looming on Tuesday.
The 15th overall pick in the 2021 draft, Frelick transitioned into an everyday role this season, primarily playing as the Brewers’ right fielder. While also seeing time in left and center field, Frelick’s impressive defensive skills in right field have garnered praise, with metrics like Defensive Runs Saved, UZR/150, and Outs Above Average reflecting his effectiveness.
Despite his defensive prowess, Frelick has struggled at the plate, with low hard contact and barrel rates resulting in an 86 wRC+ over 524 plate appearances. His ability on the basepaths, however, stealing 18 bases in 21 attempts, has added some offensive value. It’s not uncommon for a second-year player to face challenges adjusting to big league pitching.
With Christian Yelich out due to season-ending back surgery, rookie Jackson Chourio has taken over as the everyday left fielder. If Frelick is unable to play in the NL wild card series, Chourio could shift to left field, with Blake Perkins in center and Garrett Mitchell in right. Depth options include Jake Bauers, Andruw Monasterio, and Isaac Collins, while Brewer Hicklen or Vinny Capra could be called up from the minors.
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