“`html
Garrett Mitchell Injury: Brewers outfielder Faces Another Shoulder Surgery in 2025
Table of Contents
- Garrett Mitchell Injury: Brewers outfielder Faces Another Shoulder Surgery in 2025
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Garrett Mitchell is facing another meaningful setback as he is recommended for a second surgery on his left shoulder after re-injuring it during a rehab assignment with triple-A Nashville. The recurrence of the shoulder issue casts further doubt on the young player’s ability to stay healthy and fulfill his potential in Major League Baseball.
Mitchell Diagnosed with Bony Bankart Lesion
Brewers head physician Dr. William Raasch diagnosed Mitchell with a bony Bankart lesion, which involves a fracture of the shoulder socket and a detached labrum. According to manager Pat Murphy, the surgery to repair this lesion will sideline Mitchell for a minimum of eight to ten weeks.Mitchell is currently seeking a second opinion from Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles, who previously operated on the same shoulder in April 2023.
Did You Know? A Bankart lesion is a common injury in athletes, especially those involved in overhead sports like baseball and volleyball. It often results from a shoulder dislocation.
Recurring Injuries Plague promising Career
Mitchell’s career has been marred by a series of injuries as being drafted 20th overall in the 2020 MLB Draft. in 2021, he missed nearly two months due to a left knee injury, followed by an oblique issue in 2022. In 2023, a left shoulder injury limited him to just 16 games. Even in 2024, a fractured left index finger delayed his season debut until July 1.
Despite these setbacks, Mitchell has shown flashes of brilliance when healthy. In the latter half of the 2024 season, he posted an .812 OPS over 69 games and hit a go-ahead two-run homer in the eighth inning of the Brewers’ 5-3 Wild Card Series victory over the Mets, joining Paul Molitor as the only Brewers players to achieve such a feat in a postseason game.
Brewers Adjust to Mitchell’s Absence
This season, Mitchell began as the Brewers’ Opening Day center fielder but suffered a left oblique strain on April 25, landing him back on the injured list. His recent re-injury occurred during his third Triple-A game while on a rehab assignment. With mitchell and fellow outfielder Blake Perkins (fractured right shin) sidelined, Jackson Chourio has been holding down center field for the Brewers.Perkins is expected to move up to Triple-A Nashville soon, providing some relief to the team’s outfield situation.
Pro Tip: Following a strict rehabilitation program is crucial for athletes recovering from shoulder surgery to regain strength, range of motion, and stability.
Woodruff Nearing Return
In related news, right-hander Brandon Woodruff is also slated to begin a third rehab assignment, aiming to return from October 2023 shoulder surgery. His previous rehab attempts were derailed by ankle and elbow injuries. If Woodruff can reach around 80 pitches in his upcoming outing,he could soon rejoin the Brewers’ rotation.
Impact on the Brewers’ Season
The loss of Mitchell for an extended period further strains the Brewers’ roster, impacting their depth and offensive capabilities. The team will rely on other players to step up and fill the void in the outfield as they navigate the season.
| Year | Injury | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Left Knee Injury | Missed nearly two months |
| 2022 | Oblique Issue | Sidelined |
| 2023 | Left Shoulder Injury | Limited to 16 games |
| 2024 | Fractured Left index Finger | Delayed season debut |
| 2025 | Re-injured left Shoulder | Expected to miss 8-10 weeks |
What are the long-term implications of Garrett Mitchell’s recurring injuries on his career? How will the brewers adjust their strategy with Mitchell sidelined once again?
Evergreen Insights: Shoulder Injuries in Baseball
Shoulder injuries are a common concern in baseball, particularly for players who perform repetitive overhead motions such as pitching and throwing. These injuries can range from minor strains to more severe conditions like labral tears and rotator cuff issues. The recovery process often involves surgery followed by extensive rehabilitation to restore strength and mobility. The long-term impact of shoulder injuries can vary, with some players making a full recovery and others experiencing chronic pain or limitations in their performance.
According to a study published in the Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine,return-to-play rates after shoulder surgery in baseball players can be influenced by factors such as the type of surgery,the player’s position,and the quality of rehabilitation. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial for optimizing outcomes and minimizing the risk of long-term complications.
