Jackson Chourio Exits Brewers’ NLDS Opener with Hamstring Setback

Oct, 5 2025

When Jackson Chourio, outfielder for the Milwaukee Brewers left Game 1 of the National League Division SeriesAmerican Family Field with right‑hamstring tightness, the injury instantly shifted the post‑game narrative. The incident occurred on October 4, 2025, just as the Brewers were stretching a 9‑1 lead against the Chicago Cubs, a win that would close out at 9‑3. While Chourio’s hustle sparked cheers, the sudden pain forced an early exit and sent the team’s medical staff scrambling for an MRI. The broader implication? Milwaukee now faces a pivotal question: can the 24‑year‑old speedster return in time for the rest of the NLDS, or will the Cubs seize the momentum?

Game 1: A Dominant Start for Milwaukee

From the first pitch, the Brewers looked intent on making a statement. Pitcher Corbin Montgomery (notable for his 2.98 ERA in the regular season) threw six solid innings, limiting the Cubs to just three runs. Offensive firepower came from the middle of the lineup, where Mason Miller ripped a two‑run double that put the game out of reach. By the fifth inning, the scoreboard read 9‑1, a lead built on timely hitting and aggressive baserunning.

It was during that fifth inning that Chourio stepped up. After a ground‑out, the right‑hander legged out a soft infield single, loading the bases. While racing toward first, his right hamstring flinched. The bruise was immediate; he slowed, clutched the back of his thigh, and was substituted in the next half‑inning. The Brewers still finished the game strong, but the sight of a star rookie limping off the field left fans uneasy.

Injury Details and Immediate Medical Response

The team’s official statement listed the diagnosis as "right hamstring tightness," a term that often masks everything from a minor strain to a more serious tear. Within minutes of the substitution, Brewers’ head trainer Lena Price ordered an MRI to determine the exact tissue damage. The scan, performed at a Milwaukee imaging center, is expected to be reviewed by the club’s medical board before the next game.

What makes this episode especially concerning is its déjà vu quality. Chourio first strained the same hamstring on July 29, 2025, also against Chicago. That incident landed him on the 10‑day injured list, and he missed a crucial stretch of the regular season, returning only after a cautious rehab. The repeat nature raises questions about lingering weakness or perhaps an underlying biomechanical issue that the Brewers’ sports science team has yet to resolve.

Reactions from the Bench and the Dugout

Brewers manager Pat Murphy addressed reporters after the win, his tone a mix of optimism and caution. "Jackson gave us a huge boost early, and we’re glad he’s okay," Murphy said. "We’ll let the MRI tell us what’s next. It’s the same spot that gave him trouble in July, so we’re monitoring it closely. Our guys are ready to step up if he needs more time."

Chourio himself offered a brief, upbeat update on the stadium’s stadium‑wide PA system, saying, "I feel good, just a little sore. I’ll keep working on it and hope to be back soon." The brevity of his statement suggested an attempt to keep the focus on the team’s victory, but fans on social media were quick to speculate. Trending hashtags like #ChourioCheck and #BrewersMIA began circulating, with some calling for a cautious approach and others urging an early return.

Potential Impact on the NLDS Series

If Chourio is sidelined for the next two games, the Brewers lose a key piece of their speed‑centric offense. His career‑high 30 stolen bases this season have forced opposing pitchers to keep the lead‑off man closer to the plate, opening up double‑play opportunities. Without that threat, the Cubs could be more aggressive on the basepaths, potentially shortening innings.

Conversely, the Brewers possess depth in the outfield. Luis Ortiz and rookie Dylan Harper have both shown durability and could fill the gap temporarily. Nonetheless, analysts at ESPN warn that losing a player who contributes 0.280 batting average and a .345 on‑base percentage in high‑leverage moments may tilt the series in Chicago’s favor, especially if the Cubs’ ace, Jace Ramirez, regains his postseason form.

Historical Context: Injuries in the Playoffs

Playoff injuries have a notorious track record of reshaping championship narratives. In 2022, the St. Louis Cardinals lost outfielder Tommy Edman to a calf strain after a Game 1 win, and the team eventually fell in seven games. Similarly, the 2018 Boston Red Sox saw rookie infielder Andrew Benintendi miss the remainder of the ALCS after a hamstring issue, a loss many argue cost them a World Series spot.

These precedents underscore why the Brewers’ medical staff are taking no chances. A careful evaluation could spare the team a long‑term setback, but it also risks losing a potential series‑clinching asset. The balance between player health and competitive urgency is a tightrope walk every postseason franchise knows all too well.

What Comes Next: Scheduling and Prognosis

Game 2 is slated for October 6 at American Family Field, with a potential travel day before Games 3 and 4 in Chicago. If the MRI reports a Grade 1 strain—essentially a minor fiber stretch—the team might clear Chourio for limited‑duty play, perhaps as a pinch‑runner or defensive replacement. A Grade 2 tear could sideline him for at least a week, effectively ending his NLDS involvement.

Brewers’ front office has already signaled they will explore a short‑term roster move, possibly calling up outfielder Evan Turner from Triple‑A Nashville. Turner, a left‑handed hitter with a .310 average in the minors, could provide a temporary spark while Chourio rehabilitates.

• Game 1 final score: Brewers 9, Cubs 3.
• Injury: Right hamstring tightness (potential strain).
• First occurrence: July 29, 2025 vs. Cubs.
• Next game: October 6, 2025 at American Family Field.
• Key players for Brewers: Jackson Chourio, Mason Miller, Corbin Montgomery.