The Milwaukee Brewers are currently assessing their roster for Opening Day, focusing particularly on outfielder positions where several players are competing for backup roles behind starters Jackson Chourio, Garrett Mitchell, and Sal Frelick. Among those pushing for a spot is Brandon Lockridge, who has shown significant promise during spring training but will now miss several days due to a shoulder injury.
Lockridge, acquired by the Brewers last season in a trade for Nestor Cortes, had been having a standout spring. While entering the season with only one career Major League home run hit during his time with the San Diego Padres in 2024, he has already hit two homers in four spring games for Milwaukee and is batting an impressive .545/.643/1.182.
Unfortunately, he sustained a rotator cuff contusion sliding back into a base on February 26, which will keep him out of action for a short period. According to Brewers’ beat reporter Adam McCalvy,
“OF Brandon Lockridge suffered a rotator cuff contusion after diving back into the bag on Feb. 26. Plan is to re-start throwing today or tomorrow, estimated to return to games in 3-5 days.”
– Adam McCalvy, Brewers Beat Reporter
Lockridge’s Performance and Impact on Brewers’ Outfield Depth
Lockridge’s injury comes at a crucial time as the Brewers finalize their depth chart for the season. Prior to joining Milwaukee, he posted a .216/.258/.261 line with five RBIs and eight stolen bases in 47 games. After the trade, he improved his performance, batting .261/.308/.370 with six RBIs over 20 games in Milwaukee.
If Lockridge returns healthy and continues his strong hitting, combined with his noted defensive skills, he may secure the role of the Brewers’ fourth or fifth outfielder. This would add valuable depth behind established starters Chourio, Mitchell, and Frelick as Milwaukee prepares for the upcoming season.
Additional Updates from the Milwaukee Brewers Organization
The Brewers’ outlook appears promising, boosted by recent trades and emerging talent. Key prospects acquired in the Freddy Peralta trade strengthen the team’s future, while players like Brandon Woodruff and Jacob Misiorowski are stepping up to lead the pitching staff.
- Brewers’ prospects gained from the Freddy Peralta trade brighten Milwaukee’s future
- Brandon Woodruff draws league-wide attention ahead of the 2026 season
- Jacob Misiorowski positioned to take a leadership role in the Brewers’ pitching staff
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From the Brewers injury report: OF Brandon Lockridge suffered a rotator cuff contusion after diving back into the bag on Feb. 26. Plan is to re-start throwing today or tomorrow, estimated to return to games in 3-5 days.
— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) March 3, 2026
