In a stunning twist to the Milwaukee Brewers' dominant start in Game 1 of the NLDS against the Chicago Cubs, star outfielder Jackson Chourio was forced to leave the field early Saturday night, gripping his right hamstring after what looked like a routine infield single. The 21-year-old phenom had already etched his name into baseball history, becoming the first player ever to notch three hits in the first two innings of a postseason game. His explosive performance—a single, double, and another single that drove in three runs—helped the Brewers surge to a 9-1 lead by the second inning at American Family Field.
But the joy was short-lived. With bases loaded and two outs, Chourio beat out a grounder to third, scoring yet another run before pulling up lame near first base. Manager Pat Murphy didn't hesitate, pulling him immediately, and later called the moment "scary", noting it was the same hamstring that sidelined Chourio for over a month earlier this season. Back in late July, the young slugger strained it legging out a triple against these same Cubs, missing time during Milwaukee's push for the NL's top seed. He'd returned strong, slashing .276 with 17 homers and 67 RBIs, proving why the Brewers locked him up with that record-breaking pre-rookie deal.
Indeed, the timing couldn't be worse for Milwaukee, who clinched the No. 1 seed and a first-round bye only to face their division rivals right away. Chourio's absence—even if temporary—puts pressure on an already thin outfield, especially after his earlier IL stint disrupted the lineup's rhythm. The Brewers still powered through to a convincing win, but Murphy's postgame comments carried a weight of concern, emphasizing the need for caution with a player who's become the face of their youthful core. However, details on the severity remain murky as of now; imaging and further evaluation will dictate how long he's out.
Moreover, this isn't just about one game—it's a reminder of how fragile these high-stakes moments can be for rising talents like Chourio. As the series shifts to Game 2, Milwaukee fans are left wondering if their breakout star can shake off the setback quickly enough to keep the momentum alive. What does this mean for the Brewers' postseason hopes if history repeats itself?