Brewers outfielder Tyrone Taylor will miss at least the first month of the season, manager Craig Counsell announced to reporters this morning (Twitter link via Adam McCalvy of MLB.com). Taylor underwent a platelet-rich plasma injection in his sprained right elbow and will be shut down from all baseball activity for at least the next three weeks. That’ll wipe out the majority, if not all of the remainder of spring training for the 29-year-old, and he’ll need to build back up to game readiness whenever he’s cleared.
Heading into camp, Taylor looked assured of a roster spot on the heels of last season’s .233/.286/.442 batting line. While the batting average and OBP marks left plenty to be desired, Taylor connected on 17 home runs in just 405 plate appearances, adding in 21 doubles, three triples and three steals as well. Defensively, he was excellent, logging time at all three slots and turning in collectively positive grades in Defensive Runs Saved (6), Ultimate Zone Rating (2.0) and Outs Above Average (6).
Taylor was also slated to be perhaps the lone right-handed bat in the Brewers’ outfield mix. Left fielder Christian Yelich, center fielder Garrett Mitchell and corner outfielder/designated hitter Jesse Winker all bat from the left side of the dish, as does top prospect Sal Frelick, who tore through three minor league levels in 2022 and now sits on the cusp of the big leagues.
With Taylor sidelined, the Brewers have several options they can explore. Third baseman Brian Anderson could wind up logging more time in right field than initially planned, with Luis Urias manning third base on a regular basis as prospect Brice Turang steps up as the primary option at second base. Milwaukee could also run Winker and Yelich in the corners more regularly, freeing up some extra DH at-bats that would perhaps allow non-roster invitee Luke Voit to make the club. Switch-hitting Blake Perkins, who signed a Major League deal over the winter despite never having appeared in the big leagues, could get a longer look as a possible outfield option, too, given that he’s on the 40-man roster.
Others in camp who stand an increased chance of making the club with Taylor sidelined for at least a month include Tyler Naquin, prospect Joey Wiemer and minor league veterans Skye Bolt and Monte Harrison. All four of Naquin, Wiemer, Bolt and Harrison are non-roster invitees this spring, and all but the lefty-swinging Naquin would give the Brewers another right-handed bat to balance the outfield. (Bolt is a switch-hitter.)
If the Brewers want to look outside the organization, the eventual trade and waiver markets will surely offer some options. It seems unlikely that a month-plus without Taylor would prompt the Brewers to make a relatively large splash for Jurickson Profar, the top remaining free agent. Albert Almora also remains unsigned, and he could be an alternative to add to camp on a potential non-roster deal. Like Taylor, he’s a 29-year-old righty bat capable of playing all three outfield spots.
It’s been a tough start to camp for the Brewers from a health vantage point. Milwaukee will be without left-hander Aaron Ashby until at least mid-May as he works his way through shoulder fatigue, and right-hander Jason Alexander — one of their depth options in the rotation — will also be out for at least a month with shoulder troubles.
First, I hope it works out for Taylor. The one for my shoulder did not work, unfortunately, because they’re 50/50.
Second, I’m still shocked there’s an Aaron (Ashby) in the MLB that’s not on the Yankees….. Aaron Hicks, Aaron Boone, Aaron Judge, Aaron McGinty.
Sucks for the young man. He was a relief from the failed JBJ experiment last year, but he needed to have a solid spring or end up getting passed on the depth chart by Mitchell or one of the other young dudes on their way. It’s good that we’ve got depth here. Gives us a chance to give others more exposure and see what we’ve got.
Yeah if it’s just a month to 6 weeks, it (maybe) gives 1 of the younger guys a decent look, without the pressure of he HAS to perform or get sent down. If he does well, then it forces a decision and possibly earns a longer look.
He had already been passed on the depth chart by Mitchell.
Except Mitchell is in CF and Taylor is pegged for RF.
Mitchell would be starting regardless of anyone else on the roster. Taylor, not so much. Mitchell passed Taylor.
Crazy amount of injuries already in baseball!
Once Frelick hits the mlb roster he will be staying that guy hits and gets on base with authority.
That won’t be after the All Star break at the earliest.
Nah, just the normal amount.
This opens the door for Naquin or Perkins to make the opening day roster. They’ll need a fourth outfielder. Also increases the chance Turang makes the roster. Anderson in right, Urias at third, Turang at second. Which is how the lineup should have been in the first place.
Nope. The team is better with Anderson at third and Urias at second….defensively and offensively. I’m surprised Wiemer isn’t getting more attention for this opportunity. He’s a very good athlete – good defensively and good baserunning. He has very good power. He isn’t young; college player. Whoever they choose should be a right-handed hitter and should be able to play centerfield well, as Taylor was (is) the primary back-up there. And the less time Yelich and Winker play defense at the same time the better.
There is absolutely no need for further additions or any trades to deal with this.
Agreed Eddie. Not sure why everyone thinks they picked up Anderson to play the outfield, he’s their 3B. It’s fun watching the young guys play well. Urias is no lock to start on this team. Wouldn’t be surprised if Toro or Turang get the nod at 2B, and there’ll be plenty of utility dudes to choose from. I just hope they are smart enough to let the young kids go back down to AAA if they don’t win the starting spot. They’ll do better with consistent at bats. Hiura is gonna have a hard time making this roster with no options left.
Except Anderson at third isn’t really the best option, even before Taylor’s injury. Taylor is a fourth outfielder, not a starter. When the choice for a starter is Turang or Taylor, Turang is the better choice.
Now, the choice comes down to Turang or Naquin/Perkins. Anderson at third/Urias at second means they need a right fielder. Anderson in right field/Urias at third means they need a second baseman.
And the need for someone to play centerfield leaves Wiemer out. That’s why Perkins or Naquin are likely to make the roster.
I think you and I have disagreed on Urias previously. I don’t think he’s good enough to start on this team anywhere. Stat guys seem to think he’s above average. He just doesn’t move the needle for me. He can get hot, but doesn’t do squat with RISP, and just is not clutch in any way. I think he’s better suited to utility, as he can play all over the infield. Until I see Winker in RF, I’m not ruling him out there. I gotta see if he’s as bad as everyone seems to think he is. Likely they’ll give Naquin a long look this spring as he probably has an opt out if he can get a better offer elsewhere. If Weimer and Frelick keep hitting, they both have a shot there.
How you feel about Urias is how I feel about Taylor. Good defense, some pop, but can’t get on base screams “fourth outfielder” to me.
Hiura has completely fallen off the map. I wonder if he just needs a change of scenery or if his career is as minor depth fodder
I will go to my grave believing that the “launch angle” fad ruined Keston. In college and when he first signed, he was a line drive hitter. I saw a player that would hit .300 plus, lead the league in doubles and have single digit home runs. Changing his swing to get more elevation made him lose his ability to hit.
I would love to see the Tigers pick him up. For me he is 100% a change of scenery guy. I think he still has lots of gas left in the tank with some tweaking.
Keaton Hiura isn’t a very good defender anywhere. Besides, the Tigers have enough inconsistent .150 hitters
If we got him cheap why not. Cabrera is out of the DH mix next year and while Kerry Carpenter had a good first little bit who knows if he’ll stick.
Hiura straight up for Alex Lange.
Try Mitchell then we’ll talk 😉
Pass. Hiura for Brieske then?
Brieske is sneaky good. I probably like him better than most, but I’ve always liked Hiura too. I was very surprised when he fell off a cliff. Counter offer…Lange and Brieske for Mitchell!
The only thing I’d want for Mitchell is for you to build a time machine and not trade Paredes so then we could do Mitchell for Paredes.
I’m building the time machine as we speak!
Let me know when you’re finished. I sure would like to go back and change some of my decisions.
Your turn. Jump in!
Reasonable to see what you have in Voit/Naquin as replacement bat options. Maybe a return to form is possible. Don’t understand why so many prefer retreads over youth though. Sal Frelick is legit. Lefty bat doesn’t fit the lineup??? Look at his splits over the past 2 years in minors. .300+ BA, .800+ OPS. Starting right where he left off this spring. Kid is a pure hitter.
This could be the end of the line for Taylor. He’s had plenty of chances but his swing is too inconsistent.
I’m a Tigers fan and I envy the Brewers young outfield core that is close to MLB ready or already there…Mitchell, Frelick and Wiemer. Pretty solid guys who I’d love to be starting for the Tigers and not even your best OF with Chourio floating around. I absolutely would love to have Garrett Mitchell on the Tigers with Riley Greene and Akil Baddoo in our outfield for the next 5-8 years. MITCHELL IS A KEEPER!
It’s early yet – prospects are fun to root for but can break your heart – like Hiura. This crew fan is certainly waiting for those Tigers to get back to contention. The MidWest needs that powerhouse back soon!
Give Frelick the nod in RF and see what the kid can do!
Steve, PLEASE learn that you don’t need a comma before the word too, for crying out loud.
TBH, i believe Naquin is going to make the team regardless. wouldn’t mind giving Monte Harrison a shot at 4th OF