Injury Overview
The Milwaukee Brewers have sidelined left-handed pitcher Thomas Pannone after he tore his flexor tendon during a start on Sunday against Cleveland. Pannone will be held out of throwing for at least one month, even though surgery is not indicated at this time.
Strain on Pitching Depth
Pannone’s injury further stresses a pitching staff already impacted by multiple setbacks. The team has seen significant absences recently: a key starter missed the entire season due to injury, another underwent Tommy John surgery and was out for nearly all of the year, and a top prospect required elbow surgery after limited major league exposure. Additionally, left-hander Aaron Ashby is expected to miss at least two weeks because of an oblique issue. These challenges compound the difficulties following the departure of an important starter in free agency, prompting the organization to add veteran lefty to the roster.
Performance and Background
At 30 years old, Pannone has accumulated experience during his time with both major league clubs, compiling a 7-7 record and a 5.46 ERA. His last Triple-A season included a strong performance with one affiliate posting a 6-1 record and a 2.34 ERA, contrasting with a more mixed overall performance. Pannone was not initially in strong contention for a rotation spot, but his injury underscores the mounting injury concerns that are challenging the team’s depth.
Looking Ahead
The Brewers face a challenging start to the season as they contend with these injuries while preparing to open the regular season against a prominent opponent on March 27. The evolving landscape within the pitching rotation will undoubtedly influence the team’s strategies as the season unfolds.
