Brewers RHP JB Bukauskas (lat) likely to miss season

Field Level Media|published: Wed 26th February, 14:48 2025

MLB: Minnesota Twins at Milwaukee Brewers

Apr 3, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher J.B. Bukauskas delivers a pitch against the Minnesota Twins in the fifth inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

Milwaukee Brewers right-hander J.B. Bukauskas will likely miss the entire 2025 season after opting to have lat surgery, according to reports.

Bukauskas, a former first-round draft pick by the Houston Astros in 2017, was deciding between rehab and surgery for the injury, which happened during a throwing session last week. The procedure comes with a recovery period of 9 to 10 months.

Bukauskas was in camp as a non-roster invitee after the Brewers outrighted him off the 40-man roster last week. He'll spend the year on the minor league injured list.

It is yet another in a series of injuries for the former highly regarded 28-year-old pitcher, who has made 33 major league appearances with three different clubs. Bukauskas also has dealt with a torn teres major muscle, a cervical strain and a previous lat injury in April of last year.

Bukauskas had a 1.50 ERA in six relief appearances with the Brewers last season. He is 2-2 with a 5.04 ERA in his 33 relief appearances for the Arizona Diamondbacks (2021), Seattle Mariners (2023) and Brewers (2023-24).

--Field Level Media