Brewers top prospect returns to action after frustrating offseason injury

One of the Milwaukee Brewers' top infield prospects is back and making noise immediately. Tyler Black’s 2025 campaign was delayed before it could even begin. Entering spring training, there was real buzz around the 24-year-old as a dark horse candidate to break camp with the Brewers. The opportunity was there for Black, who has impressed at every stop in the minors and made his MLB debut for the Brewers a season ago. But just as things were ramping up this year, his spring was derailed.

Black's "cup of coffee" in the majors a season ago didn't go exactly as he hoped it would. He lasted just 18 games with the Brewers and posted an uninspiring slash line of .204/.316/.245, with just two extra-base hits. Even so, his track record in the minor leagues had Brewers fans excited about what he could bring to the table in 2025, with many penciling him in as the left-handed platoon partner for Rhys Hoskins.

However, a hamate bone fracture in his right hand forced Black to undergo surgery and miss a crucial chunk of developmental time. The estimated recovery window was six to eight weeks, and when paired with a back strain that had already set him behind earlier in camp, it felt like a deflating blow to a prospect who seemed poised to impact the big league roster.

Brewers prospect Tyler Black is making up for lost time in rehab assignment

But now, with the summer months on the horizon, Black is picking up right where he left off. The Brewers eased him back into action in the Arizona Complex League, and so far, he’s delivered. Through his first 14 plate appearances, he’s gone 5-for-11 with three RBIs, drawing three walks and batting his way to a .455/.571/.818 slash line and a 1.390 OPS. Even in a small sample, it's a reassuring sign that the hand is healed and his swing is still sharp.

Milwaukee has every reason to be cautious. A first-round pick (33rd overall) in the 2021 MLB Draft, Black has consistently demonstrated elite on-base skills and a refined approach in the batter’s box. Across five minor league seasons, he owns a .274/.403/.456 line — highlighted by patience (career .403 OBP) and the type of polish that screams “major league-hitter.”

The next step will be a return to Triple-A Nashville, where Black logged significant time in 2024 and was expected to open this year. If he continues to hit and stay healthy, it’s easy to envision him in a Brewers uniform later this season — especially if he shows that he can handle more than first base defensively.

Tyler Black’s setback may have paused his rise, but it’s not fully derailed. Now that he’s back on the field and quickly making up for lost time, don’t be surprised if his name starts circulating again.