Brewers' left-handed relief depth continues to be tested after latest injury update

The Milwaukee Brewers received encouraging news on the injury front ahead of their series opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks last night, as reports surfaced that both Jackson Chourio and Andrew Vaughn were on their way to Nashville to begin rehab assignments in Triple-A. After a string of discouraging injury news to begin the 2026 season, it was a breath of fresh air for Brewers fans.

However, just one day later, it's back to bad news for the Milwaukee faithful. As announced by the team just moments ago, key left-handed reliever Ángel Zerpa has been placed on the 15-day IL with left forearm tightness. To fill Zerpa's spot in the bullpen, the Brewers have selected the contract of left-hander Brian Fitzpatrick from Triple-A. Fitzpatrick, who is set to make his MLB debut, was not a member of the 40-man roster, but because the Brewers cleared a spot last week when they designated Luis Matos for assignment, no corresponding move is needed.

Left-handed reliever Ángel Zerpa placed on 15-day IL with left forearm tightness, rookie Brian Fitzpatrick promoted from Triple-A

It's undoubtedly a tough blow for the Brewers' bullpen, despite Zerpa's recent struggles. Zerpa, who has a 10.29 ERA in his last seven appearances, is a proven big-league arm whose poor early-season numbers will certainly even themselves out in time. He has been called upon in high-leverage situations throughout the first month of the season and has even racked up two saves already.

Forearm tightness is a scary injury for a pitcher as it is often a precursor to elbow injuries. However, until more information regarding Zerpa's injury is announced, no conclusions should be drawn about the health of the Brewers' offseason trade acquisition.

Meanwhile, replacing Zerpa is the southpaw Fitzpatrick, who has dominated Triple-A competition this year. The 25-year-old Fitzpatrick, whom the Brewers selected in the 10th round of the 2022 MLB Draft, didn't allow an earned run in 10 appearances with the Nashville Sounds prior to his call-up earlier today. He's struck out 11 during that span and walked just two.

Though Fitzpatrick did make the occasional start during his first three years in the Brewers' farm system, he was converted to a pure reliever in 2025 and has remained in that role this year. He throws both a four-seam fastball and a sinker, both of which have sat at 93-94 mph this season. Fitzpatrick pairs the fastball duo with a changeup which he's thrown 29% of the time this year and a slider which he throws slightly less frequently at 27%.

Fitzpatrick is unlikely to be thrown right into Zerpa's role as a high-leverage relief arm, but should the success he's shown in Triple-A translate to the big-league level, it's not out of the question that he's thrown into a late-inning role at some point. With the Brewers now down Zerpa, Jared Koenig, and Rob Zastryzny, Pat Murphy might need Fitzpatrick to pitch some important innings in the near future.

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