BOSTON -- The Brewers placed workhorse reliever Jared Koenig on the 15-day injured list on Monday with a sprained left elbow ligament that represents “a big concern,” said manager Pat Murphy, even as the sides plan to attempt a comeback without surgery.
The Brewers called up lefty pitching prospect Shane Drohan from Triple-A Nashville (Milwaukee’s No. 25 prospect per MLB Pipeline) to replace Koenig, who returned to Milwaukee over the weekend for imaging. The diagnosis was a sprained UCL, which in the most serious case requires Tommy John surgery and a yearlong rehabilitation.
In Koenig’s case, however, the sides have initially agreed to try treatment, according to Murphy. In the best-case scenario, Koenig could return to action in two to four weeks. It’s likely that Koenig will exercise his right to a second opinion, according to the manager.
“The injury thing is piling up,” Murphy said.
The Brewers were also without starter Quinn Priester (thoracic outlet syndrome), outfielder Jackson Chourio (fractured left hand) and first baseman Andrew Vaughn (left hamate surgery) as they began their three-game series at Fenway Park.
Koenig has been an especially versatile and valuable reliever since signing a Minor League deal with Milwaukee in November 2023. His 137 appearances in the regular season and postseason over the past three years lead the team, and he has a 2.55 ERA in that span.
“This kid was an unsung hero,” Murphy said. “Any situation, any time. He pitched in some incredibly big games. It’s a big blow. He hasn’t been the same since Spring Training. We kind of noticed that.”
Koenig’s velocity was down all spring, and the Brewers avoided using him on back-to-back days. His fastball run value was in the 50th percentile in the early going, according to Statcast, compared to the 81st percentile last year.
He last pitched on Saturday night in Game 2 of the Brewers’ doubleheader split in Kansas City, allowing two unearned runs on two hits and two intentional walks, with a wild pitch.
“He’s done the job since he’s been here,” Murphy said, “but he didn’t look quite right.”
Drohan’s first stint in the Major Leagues comes at a fitting venue, since he was at Fenway Park in January as part of Boston’s rookie development program before the Red Sox traded him in February to the Brewers with fellow lefty Kyle Harrison and infielder David Hamilton in exchange for infielders Caleb Durbin, Andruw Monasterio and Anthony Seigler.
Harrison won’t start in this series but Drohan (pronounced like “throwin’”) might. The Brewers need a starter for Wednesday’s series finale against the Red Sox after Friday’s rainout in Kansas City shook up the rotation.
Drohan was in the running for the Opening Day roster until the very end of Spring Training, Murphy said, and made one Triple-A start before Monday’s promotion. He was available in the bullpen beginning Monday.
“I really wasn’t expecting it, but sometimes surprises are the best thing,” Drohan said.
What does he feel like he’s shown the Brewers since the trade?
“I think I’ve shown them that I’m consistent in my work,” Drohan said. “I’m going to show up every day and be the same guy and stay focused on my process of being a good pitcher, and continuing to sharpen all the swords I have in my weapons room, I guess you could say. It’s the constant, daily work of trying to get better each day.”