Brewers Rally to Win Despite Injuries, Now Trail Only Dodgers

When the Milwaukee Brewers woke up Saturday, they faced the kind of news that sinks teams: franchise star Brandon Woodruff needed another season-ending shoulder surgery, outfielder Sal Frelick hit the injured list with a shoulder strain, and second baseman Brice Turang couldn't play due to a sore foot. By afternoon, they'd won their 61st game of the season, just one victory behind the league-leading Dodgers.

Center fielder Garrett Mitchell smashed his 23rd hit of July, most in baseball this month, with a two-out, two-run double in the sixth inning. Rookie Jackson Chourio delivered a bases-loaded single moments earlier to give Milwaukee the lead.

The win became a total team effort. Recently acquired Braden Shewmake, a late addition to the lineup replacing injured Turang, sparked the winning rally with a leadoff double. Six different Brewers stole bases, matching a season high with seven total steals.

Rookie left-hander Shane Drohan struck out nine batters across six strong innings, his third straight quality start helping fill the void left by Woodruff's absence. Christian Yelich added a two-run double in the seventh to seal the victory.

Frelick's injury carries the most concern. The scrappy right fielder admitted he'd been playing through shoulder pain for two months, hoping the All-Star break would help. When a routine throw in the fourth inning felt like it "dribbled out of my hand," the former hockey player knew toughness alone wouldn't cut it anymore.

"I think you should play through anything you can bear, but when it costs the team is when you need to speak up," Frelick said. He'll need a contrast MRI before the Brewers know his timeline.

The Ripple Effect

Luis Lara, Milwaukee's fourth-ranked prospect and just 21 years old, stepped into right field for Frelick and will likely see extended playing time. Frelick expressed complete confidence: "Just an absolute stud. Ultimate trust in anyone who's out there."

That mentality defines this Brewers team. Manager Pat Murphy noted that Frelick "represents a lot of what our team is," but someone else always steps up.

"It speaks to just how tight this clubhouse is," Drohan said. "Everybody in here wants to show up for the rest of us."

Closer Trevor Megill, who shut down a Miami comeback attempt in the ninth, summed up the season perfectly: "It's been the same thing since I've been here. Somebody goes down, somebody picks that person up."

The Brewers turned their toughest morning into another win, proving that team chemistry can overcome almost any obstacle.