Brewers prospect sustains multiple facial fractures

Field Level Media|published: Fri 12th April, 14:37 2024

Jun 19, 2023; Omaha, NE, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons third baseman Brock Wilken (25) throws to get an out against the LSU Tigers during the first inning at Charles Schwab Field Omaha. credits: Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports

Milwaukee Brewers prospect Brock Wilken sustained multiple fractures when he was struck in the face by a pitch on Thursday night.

The 21-year-old third baseman, playing for Double-A Biloxi, was leading off the top of the sixth inning when he was struck by a 94-mph fastball from Mississippi right-hander Domingo Gonzalez.

Wilken was eventually able to walk off the field under his own power. He did not have a concussion but surgery is likely when the swelling goes down, according to Brewers general manager Matt Arnold.

Wilken was Milwaukee's first-round draft pick (18th overall) in 2023 out of Wake Forest. He is the Brewers' No. 7-ranked prospect, per MLB Pipeline.

He is batting .167 (3-for-18) with one double and eight strikeouts through five games this season. Wilken batted a combined .285 with five homers and 29 RBIs in 47 games last season across three levels in the minors.

—Field Level Media