Brewers Injury Updates: SP Houser to Return Soon, OF Mitchell Close to Rehab Games

This late in the MLB season, roster additions can make the difference between a team that makes the playoffs and one that falls short. Sometimes those additions can be as simple as a player returning from the injured list.

The Milwaukee Brewers have been getting close to adding two such players to the roster. Starting pitcher Adrian Houser has been on the injured list since August 28th with right elbow effusion after having to leave his most recent start after just two innings.

Meanwhile, outfielder Garrett Mitchell has been out since April after a shoulder injury that eventually requited surgery. His most recent injury updates had been trending in a positive direction and on Monday, he, as well as Houser, received yet another good one.

Brewers starting pitcher Adrian Houser should return to the team this week.

Brewers manager Craig Counsell stated on Monday that Houser is ready to come of the injured list any day according to Brewers beat writer for MLB.com Adam McCalvy. His return couldn't come at a much more perfect time for the Crew.

Milwaukee is in the middle of a stretch of 17 games in 17 days and will need plenty of starters to get through it, are attempting to fend off the Cubs for the division title, and starts a four-game series against the Marlins, who are battling for their own playoff spot. Brandon Woodruff starts Monday's matchup and is followed by Freddy Peralta, but no starters are currently named for Wednesday or Thursday.

Houser is 4-5 on the season with a 4.58 ERA and 1.483 WHIP. The Brewers have won four of the last five games that he has started.

Brewers outfielder Garrett Mitchell could be playing rehab games in the near future.

It's been a much longer road to recovery for Mitchell after his shoulder surgery. And though the news had been getting better and better in recent weeks, there was still no timetable for his eventual return to game play.

That day could also be coming this week. Also per McCalvy, Mitchell has a doctor's appointment later in the week and if all goes well, which the team seems to be planning on, he will finally be cleared to play rehab games. That would likely be in Triple-A Nashville, who has the most games remaining on their schedule of all the minor league affiliates.

Last year, Mitchell gave the Brewers an energy boost down the stretch, though it didn't result in a postseason appearance. He could do the same this year for a team that isn't floundering to the point that the 2022 squad was.

Both players will be welcome additions to a late season Brewers roster and hopefully are among the final pieces that earn the Crew a playoff berth.