MILWAUKEE -- The Brewers reported the beginnings of "a remarkable recovery" in their latest update about the health of Minor League infielder Julio Mendez, who suffered a cardiac event when he was hit by a pitch in the chest during a rookie league game in Tempe, Ariz., on Aug. 26.
The team also revealed new details about the severity of the 20-year-old's condition in the immediate aftermath of the event, saying he was on life support for nearly a month, and until recently was unable to perform daily activities.
The team's update came in the form of a statement from general manager David Stearns.
"We are extremely pleased to report that Julio has taken significant steps over the last few weeks in what can be classified as a remarkable recovery," Stearns said. "After being on life support for more than three weeks and eventually transferred to his home country of Venezuela, Julio emerged from a critical condition and has progressed steadily.
"He is now at a point where he is performing many daily activities with little assistance, and while his rehabilitation still has a long way to go, the progress has been very encouraging."
Mendez, who turns 21 next week, received treatment at home plate after he was hit in the chest in the top of the ninth inning by a pitch thrown by Angels minor leaguer Austin Krzeminski, who took to Twitter later that night to express his concern. Mendez was removed from the field in an ambulance and the rest of the game was called off.
The Brewers signed Mendez out of Venezuela in 2014. He is a career .241 hitter, with 27 doubles and 58 RBIs in 182 games across four seasons in the Minor Leagues.
Later Monday, Brewers farm director Tom Flanagan provided a medical update on another prospect, right-handed pitcher Nelson Hernandez, who was struck on the right side of his head by a batted ball during an instructional league game on Friday. Hernandez was carted off the field and examined by the Brewers' Phoenix-based medical staff and physicians. According to Flanagan, who was at that game, Hernandez is currently going through baseball's concussion protocol.
The 20-year-old right-handed pitched for Helena in the Rookie League in 2017, his fourth season in the Brewers' system.