Quinn Priester continues rehab process with worrisome start in Appleton

The Milwaukee Brewers are not currently hurting for starting pitchers in the same way they were one season ago. Whereas the first two months of the 2025 campaign saw plenty of fluctuation in the Brewers' rotation, the 2026 season has been quite the opposite. Aside from a "dead arm" issue that is likely to keep Brandon Woodruff on the injured list for less than one month, Milwaukee's starting staff has been one of the more consistent groups in MLB this season.

The trio of Jacob Misiorowski, Kyle Harrison, and Brandon Sproat has been a steady force in the rotation throughout the year, with Miz making nine starts already and the latter two each having eight "bulk outings" to their names. Meanwhile, Woody and second-year arm Chad Patrick rounded out the rotation for the entirety of the first month of the season, but Woodruff's aforementioned arm issue has caused him to miss the last two weeks, and Patrick appears to be transitioning into a relief role.

When the Brewers have needed a starter beyond the quintet mentioned above, they've turned to Logan Henderson and Coleman Crow, each of whom has impressed in their limited opportunities in the rotation. With Robert Gasser down in Triple-A as well, Milwaukee's starting depth remains strong as the second half of May commences.

However, what makes the Brewers' current rotation depth even more impressive is the fact that it remains a strength even without 2025 breakout arm Quinn Priester, who was expected to be a big part of the Milwaukee's starting staff in 2026. Priester is continuing to work back from a thoracic outlet syndrome-related injury, and while there was a positive development in his rehab process earlier this week, the latest update is less encouraging.

Quinn Priester's command issues continue in Saturday rehab start with High-A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers

Priester embarked on a rehab assignment with the Nashville Sounds back on April 22. However, after three tough starts in which the right-hander allowed a combined nine earned runs, eight walks, and two hit batters in just five total innings and experienced shoulder soreness, Priester was removed from his rehab assignment and placed back on the injured list. It was a disappointing sign for Priester's chances of rejoining the big-league club in the near future.

However, shortly thereafter, the Brewers announced that Priester had a strong bullpen session and was ready to begin another rehab assignment. Today, the 25-year-old started said rehab assignment, this time pitching for the High-A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers rather than traveling to Nashville.

Unfortunately, Priester's start this afternoon mirrored his starts in Nashville a few weeks ago. In just 1.1 innings of work, Priester allowed seven earned runs on five hits, three walks, and a hit-by-pitch. He threw 47 pitches and only 23 -- less than half -- were strikes.

It's undoubtedly a frustrating situation for Priester, who has relayed that some days he feels normal and other days his nerve issue causes a great deal of pain. That inconsistency certainly makes it difficult for him to string together good days in his rehab process and work back to the big leagues. Hopefully, this was just a small blip on what seemed to be an encouraging week for Priester, but it's not a promising situation for the Brewers' talented young right-hander.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow