The Milwaukee Brewers defeated the Washington Nationals on Sunday by a score of 8-1, completing a series sweep. However, the victory was overshadowed by an injury to right fielder Sal Frelick.
In the top of the third inning, Frelick made a sliding catch in foul territory on a pop-up off the bat of Jacob Young. After the play, he appeared to be in discomfort when he tried to get up. He was then attended to by the team trainer and manager Pat Murphy before being removed from the game. Isaac Collins replaced him in the outfield.
Frelick had already contributed to the Brewers' lead, going 1-for-2 with an RBI and a stolen base before his departure. In the second inning, he stole a base and was seen hunched over with his hands on his knees.
The team announced that Frelick left the game with left hamstring discomfort. Manager Pat Murphy expressed his concern, stating that it "hurts his heart" to see one of his favorite players go down. Frelick is scheduled to undergo further imaging, including an MRI, to determine the severity of the injury.
This injury puts Frelick's availability for the start of Milwaukee’s second-half schedule in question. The Brewers will have five days off for the All-Star break, which could provide some time for Frelick to recover. More information on his status is expected in the near future.
Frelick, who won a Gold Glove Award in 2024, has been a key player for the Brewers this season. In 93 games, he is batting .294 with seven home runs and 39 RBIs, all career highs. Entering Sunday, the Brewers were just a game back of the Chicago Cubs for first place in the National League Central.
This is not the first injury concern for Frelick this season. In early May, he missed a couple of games with a knee issue after discomfort while taking a swing. An MRI at that time revealed no major damage.
The Brewers' depth in the outfield has already been tested this season with Garrett Mitchell and Blake Perkins on the injured list. Mitchell has been out since late April with an oblique strain, while Perkins has yet to make his 2025 debut as he recovers from a fractured shin.
