Milwaukee Brewers fans likely won’t have to worry about the long-term health of one of their star players.
Jackson Chourio was out of the lineup in Venezuela’s opening game of the World Baseball Classic on Friday. The star outfielder was struck on the hand by a pitch during his second of three plate appearances in Venezuela’s exhibition game against the Washington Nationals on Wednesday. The 21-year-old expressed a strong desire to represent his home country against the Netherlands but was held out as a precaution.
According to MLB.com’s Adam McCalvy and Mark Feinsand, Milwaukee officials have “no concern” about Chourio’s long-term availability.
“He was wearing the protection, but it was a straight ball at 100 mph,” Venezuela manager Omar López told reporters, per MLB.com. “He’s going to be OK. The examination was done and everything is OK, but he had some swelling and he needs to rest.”
Lopez added that Chourio was made available as a pinch-runner or defensive replacement for Venezuela’s World Baseball Classic opener.
“We’re going to give him another day,” Lopez said, per MLB.com. “The finger is kind of swollen, and it is bothering him. But he will be with us soon.”
Brewers reportedly medical officials were in touch with Team Venezuela and were assured that Chourio’s injury was day-to-day. The National League Central club also can be assured that his teammates, catcher William Contreras and reliever Angel Zerpa, as well as coach Néstor Corredor, will make sure Chourio does not push himself.
Venezuela’s next pool game is Saturday against Israel.
