Brewers Halt Rehab Progress for Quinn Priester Amid Injury Concerns

LAS VEGAS – The Milwaukee Brewers have decided to pause Quinn Priester's rehabilitation from thoracic outlet syndrome, returning the right-handed pitcher from his minor-league assignment on Thursday, June 11. Priester is still on the 60-day injured list, highlighting ongoing challenges in his recovery.

This decision follows Priester's recent start in the rookie-level Arizona Complex League, where he struggled, giving up three earned runs on just one hit while issuing five walks and hitting another batter over 2 ⅔ innings. While the Brewers noted that Priester experienced "no physical complaint," his performance did not demonstrate significant improvement, prompting the team to rethink his next steps.

Priester had been scheduled to pitch five innings with a pitch count of 70-75 on June 13, but those plans have now been scrapped as he returns to Milwaukee for further evaluation with the medical staff. Manager Pat Murphy acknowledged the difficulties Priester faces, stating, "It doesn't bode well to be ready to pitch in the major leagues." Despite the setbacks, Murphy noted that Priester did not report any pain, which is a positive sign as he works to regain the necessary feeling in his fingers.

Throughout his rehabilitation, Priester has made appearances in five games at Class AAA Nashville, two in Arizona, and one at Class High A Wisconsin. Over 16 innings, he has struggled with a 15.75 ERA, a 2.88 WHIP, and an alarming tally of 24 walks, four hit batters, and six wild pitches, alongside 18 strikeouts. When asked about the possibility of exploring surgical options, Murphy remained optimistic, saying, "I don't think we're close to (surgery). I think we've got to give this guy a chance."

While the Brewers have managed to exceed expectations without Priester, who had a standout season last year with a 13-3 record and a 3.32 ERA, his return would be beneficial as the team navigates its rotation. With Brandon Woodruff still recovering from a "dead arm" injury, the Brewers are relying heavily on pitchers like Jacob Misiorowski and Kyle Harrison, as well as recent strong performances from Shane Drohan, Brandon Sproat, and Robert Gasser.