Imagine this: your team’s star player, the one who’s been carrying the offense through the playoffs, suddenly clutches his leg mid-at-bat and limps off the field. That’s exactly what happened to the Milwaukee Brewers’ Jackson Chourio during Game 3 of the National League Championship Series, leaving fans and teammates alike holding their breath. But here’s where it gets controversial—was this injury preventable, or is it just the cruel reality of high-stakes baseball? Let’s dive in.
In the seventh inning of Thursday’s game against the Dodgers, the 21-year-old Chourio—Milwaukee’s leadoff hitter and postseason MVP so far—fouled off a pitch from Blake Treinen. Moments later, he grabbed the back of his right hamstring, the same one that had forced him out of a previous playoff game. After a quick assessment by the athletic trainer and a futile attempt to stretch it out, Chourio hopped off the field, barely putting weight on his right leg. It was a gut-wrenching sight for Brewers fans, especially as Blake Perkins stepped in to strike out, squandering yet another scoring chance in what ended as a 3-1 loss. This defeat pushed the Brewers into a daunting 3-0 series deficit.
Chourio’s hamstring had been a lingering concern since he tweaked it in Game 1 of the NL Division Series against the Chicago Cubs on October 4. Despite leaving that game in the second inning, he made a surprising return for Game 2 just two days later, showcasing his resilience with a home run and three RBIs. And let’s not forget his leadoff homer in Game 2 of the NLCS off Dodgers ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who otherwise dominated with a complete-game performance. And this is the part most people miss—Chourio had declared his hamstring ‘nearly 100%’ before this latest setback, raising questions about whether he was rushed back too soon.
In just his second MLB season, Chourio has already proven his worth, signing an eight-year, $82 million contract before even making his major league debut. This year, he slashed .270/.308/.463 with 21 home runs, 78 RBIs, and 21 stolen bases, cementing his status as a cornerstone of the Brewers’ future. But his recurring injury now leaves fans wondering: How will this impact his long-term health and the team’s immediate postseason hopes?
Here’s the controversial question: Should the Brewers have been more cautious with Chourio’s injury, or is this simply the risk players take in the pursuit of a championship? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over.
