UPDATE: The Milwaukee Brewers have just announced that right-hander Nick Mears is the latest reliever to be placed on the 15-day injured list due to back tightness. This decision comes just before their game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday night, marking another setback for the team’s bullpen.
The Brewers confirmed that Mears’ placement on the injured list is retroactive to Tuesday, adding to a growing list of sidelined pitchers. In a swift move, the team has recalled right-hander Carlos Rodríguez from Triple-A Nashville to fill the gap left by Mears.
Mears, 28, has made 59 appearances this season, boasting a record of 5-3 with a 3.42 earned run average. His absence will be felt as the Brewers continue to battle for playoff positioning, currently holding the best record in Major League Baseball and leading the NL Central by 5.5 games over the Chicago Cubs.
This injury adds Mears to a list that includes All-Star closer Trevor Megill, who is out with a right flexor strain, DL Hall with a right oblique issue, and both Grant Anderson and Shelby Miller, who are dealing with ankle and elbow injuries, respectively. Miller’s situation is particularly concerning; he was placed on the 60-day IL earlier this week and is facing the possibility of a second Tommie John surgery.
Authorities note that there is hope for Megill’s return by mid-September, while Anderson is expected to throw an inning in a rehabilitation assignment this Saturday. Hall may also be back in late September, but the pressure mounts as the postseason approaches.
In the meantime, Rodríguez, 23, will look to make an impact. He has a 1-0 record with a 9.95 ERA in two outings with Milwaukee this season and has performed better at Nashville, where he has a 3.86 ERA and one save across 15 games.
As the Brewers navigate through this challenging phase, fans and players alike are watching closely, hoping for quick recoveries and strong performances in the coming weeks. The urgency to maintain their lead in the standings is palpable as the team prepares for the critical stretch run of the season.
Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops.
