The Milwaukee Brewers’ playoff hopes took a serious hit when Jackson Chourio, the 21-year-old phenom and franchise cornerstone, was forced to leave Game 3 of the National League Championship Series due to an apparent hamstring injury. What began as a routine at-bat quickly turned into a moment of collective anxiety for the Brewers and their fans, raising questions about both Chourio’s immediate availability and his long-term durability.
In a season where Chourio’s electric combination of power and speed helped spark Milwaukee’s offense, his mid-game exit could not have come at a worse time. The Brewers were already fighting from behind in the series, and the sight of their young star limping off the field underscored the precarious balance between talent and physical resilience in modern baseball.
A Sudden and Concerning Exit
The moment unfolded in the fifth inning with Milwaukee trailing and desperate for a rally. Chourio fouled off a pitch and immediately grabbed the back of his right leg, wincing in visible discomfort. Trainers rushed to his aid as the stadium fell into uneasy silence. After a brief examination, he made his way back to the dugout and down the tunnel, ending his night prematurely.
Postgame, Chourio told reporters it was “just a cramp,” downplaying the seriousness of the incident. The Brewers’ medical staff initially echoed that sentiment, labeling it a precautionary removal.
“Just a cramp. I think I maybe tried to pull the trigger a little too hard there,” Chourio said. “That’s maybe what caused it. But, just a cramp.”
However, context matters–this was not the first time Chourio had experienced issues with that same hamstring. His recent injury history suggests that what appears minor in the moment could have broader implications for both the current series and his career trajectory.
“I think that’s the first time in my life that something like that has happened to me,” Chourio said. “It sucks because I felt like I had the ability to do something for us there in the game. But like I said, I think that’s the first time in my life that’s happened to me, and I hope it never happens again.”
A History That Raises Red Flags
Chourio’s 2025 campaign has been marred by recurring hamstring problems. In late July, he pulled up rounding first base on what looked like a sure triple and was later diagnosed with a strain, sidelining him for nearly a month.
Even more recently, he left the NLDS opener against the Cubs with similar discomfort before returning a game later. Brewers manager Pat Murphy acknowledged that Chourio has been dealing with “continual cramps” in the same leg, a statement that hints at a lingering issue rather than a one-off incident.
For a player whose game thrives on explosiveness–stretching singles into doubles, tracking deep fly balls, and stealing bases with ease–lower-body health is everything. A recurring hamstring injury not only threatens his current postseason contributions but could also affect his long-term athleticism.
The Stakes for Milwaukee: Depth and Desperation
In the context of the NLCS, every inning matters, and losing Chourio’s bat and glove at this stage would be devastating. His blend of contact hitting and outfield range has been a stabilizing force for a Brewers lineup that sometimes struggles with consistency.
“Right now I feel physically good, and I think tomorrow [Friday] I could play,” Chourio said.
Milwaukee’s challenge is twofold: replacing Chourio’s on-field production and maintaining morale. Clubhouse chemistry often hinges on leadership and energy, and few players embody that spark better than the young Venezuelan.
“He feels like he’s going to be OK, so I’m hopeful,” Murphy said. “He’s got an IV going right now, and we’ll hope he’s OK.”
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