Brewers Quinn Priester to Miss First Month With Elbow Issue

This blog post digs into Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Quinn Priester’s injury diagnosis, his expected absence at the start of the season, and what it all means for the club’s rotation after his breakout 2023. With thoracic outlet syndrome confirmed and a cautious return plan, Priester’s aiming to come back smarter, not just faster—something that’ll shape the Brewers’ early-season approach.

Diagnosis, timetable and what it means for Priester

Priester, 25, has dealt with a wrist issue throughout spring training. Brewers manager Pat Murphy said it’s partly tied to thoracic outlet syndrome. This setback means Priester will probably miss at least the first month. He told MLB.com and other reporters that a late April or May return could happen, but he called that timeline optimistic and stressed that the team’s plan matters more than his own eagerness.

“As smart as possible” is his new mantra as he faces a longer recovery than he’d hoped. Priester said getting the diagnosis finally gives him a path forward after months of not knowing. He feels some relief having a plan, a better sense of timing, and a reason to focus on healing instead of shortcuts.

Murphy emphasized that the Brewers want to take things slow and protect Priester’s long-term health over immediate returns.

Understanding thoracic outlet syndrome and its impact on pitchers

Thoracic outlet syndrome compresses nerves or blood vessels near the shoulder and upper chest, which can cause numbness, weakness, or odd sensations in the arm and wrist. For a pitcher, even minor nerve issues can mess with grip, velocity, and command. The Brewers’ medical staff plans to prioritize gradual rehab, strength work, and a structured throwing program to cut down on re-injury risk.

Priester’s breakout season: what Brewers saw last year

The Brewers picked up Priester from the Boston Red Sox in April, and he broke out in 2023. He went 13-3 with a 3.32 ERA across 29 games, including 24 starts. At one point, he rattled off a 12-game winning streak. The Brewers went 19-0 in games he pitched (16 starts, three relief). That kind of impact made Priester a big part of Milwaukee’s plans for 2024. It also showed just how much the team relied on his steady work last season.

Postseason moments: highs and lows

Priester had some strong postseason moments, though the results were mixed. In NLDS Game 3 against the Cubs, he couldn’t get out of the first inning, which really threw off Milwaukee’s momentum. Later, he bounced back in the NLCS against the Dodgers, tossing four scoreless innings. Priester sees his postseason as part of a long journey, and he’s focused on returning healthy and finding consistency when things reset.

Impact on Brewers’ rotation and strategy moving forward

Priester’s early absence will test Milwaukee’s pitching depth. The Brewers will likely lean on a mix of veteran arms and younger guys to fill the gap, giving Priester the space to get his form and mechanics back. The club wants to keep the rotation strong for the long haul, so they’ll mix in pitchers who can handle big innings when it counts.

Return timing and long-term outlook

Priester still hopes to return by late April or May, but he knows that depends on how his recovery goes. “As smart as possible” is still his approach, and the Brewers plan to stick to a patient, evidence-based timeline. If all goes well, Priester’s return could steady Milwaukee’s rotation later in the year, especially if he comes back with a bit more durability and polish after the time off.

Key takeaways for Brewers fans

• Priester’s status: The 25-year-old right-hander needs to recover from a nerve issue. He’ll probably be out until May.
• Diagnosis: Doctors linked his wrist discomfort to thoracic outlet syndrome. Pat Murphy confirmed the diagnosis.
• Last season’s numbers: He went 13-3 with a 3.32 ERA in 29 games, making 24 starts after coming over from the Red Sox.
• Postseason snapshot: He had trouble in the NLDS. But he threw four scoreless innings in the NLCS against the Dodgers.
• Return plan: The team hopes he’ll be back in late April or May. They want to bring him along slowly and carefully.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Brewers’ Quinn Priester expects to miss at least first month