Brewers must be careful with Jackson Chourio after Pat Murphy’s comments

Roughly three-quarters of the way into the 2026 MLB season, the Milwaukee Brewers own the best record in baseball. They are 74-46, first place in the National League Central and four games over the second-place Chicago Cubs.

The Brewers are once again sustaining their winning ways by having an elite pitching staff and an offense that can do enough without hitting many home runs.

One of the cornerstones to the offense is outfielder Jackson Chourio. He signed an eight-year, $82 million rookie extension before he even made his debut in 2024. Now in year three of his career and contract, he is playing up to its value and then some. 

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Jul 18, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Jackson Chourio (11) hits an RBI single during the sixth inning against the Miami Marlins at American Family Field. Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

After playing mostly right field in 2024 and center field in 2025, Chourio is now manning left field primarily. He has posted one fielding run value in 672 ⅔ innings there this year (h/t FanGraphs).

In 86 games, the 22-year-old is slashing .278/.341/.480 (.821 OPS) with 17 home runs and 48 RBIs. He missed the first month and change of the season with a broken hand but certainly has now shown it on the field.

As it happens however, a new injury has been nagging at Chourio. Brewers manager Pat Murphy said Wednesday that the left fielder is dealing with thumb soreness. He had originally said this about second baseman Brice Turang, though later clarified otherwise to Adam McCalvy of MLB.com.

Even with the confusion, Chourio is leading off today, followed by Turang. That lineup will face Robbie Ray of the San Diego Padres (10-7, 3.24 ERA).

The Brewers cannot afford to have Chourio go on the injured list. His .341 on-base percentage in the lead-off spot is incredibly valuable, as well as his ability to steal bases (11-for-14 this year).

Though not entirely because of Chourio’s absence, the Brewers were just 18-15 during the first portion of the season where the third-year player was injured. Thankfully as of Aug. 12, the thumb problem does not sound like anything serious.