The latest piece of news regarding the Milwaukee Brewers’ dominant pitching staff isn’t ideal but offers a perspective of hope. Right-handed pitcher J.B. Bukauskas will miss the entire 2025 season after undergoing lat surgery. The recovery process will take at least nine months, marking another injury setback for the 28-year-old.
“I’m excited, even though it sounds weird,” Bukauskas told Todd Rosiak of USA Today. “I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and finally get it fixed.”
Bukauskas has faced several injury challenges over the past few years. He missed the entire 2022 season due to a Teres major muscle strain and dealt with a cervical strain in 2023. In mid-April of 2024, the Brewers placed him on the injured list with a right lat strain, which ultimately ended his season.
Originally drafted by the Houston Astros in the first round of the 2017 MLB Draft out of the University of North Carolina, Bukauskas made his Major League debut with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2021. He briefly played for the Seattle Mariners in 2023 before joining the Brewers.
Over his 33 relief appearances spanning three seasons with multiple teams, Bukauskas has accumulated 30 innings, a 4.74 FIP, and 27 strikeouts. He made six appearances for the Brewers in 2024 before his lat injury ended his season.
Despite this setback, the Brewers’ starting rotation remains strong, with Freddy Peralta leading the charge, alongside Tobias Myers, Nestor Cortes, Aaron Civale, and Aaron Ashby. The bullpen, however, has seen significant changes this offseason. Milwaukee traded closer Devin Williams to the New York Yankees, and left-hander Tyler Alexander was also signed. Given these changes, Bukauskas would have likely seen some action in the big leagues this season if not for his injury.
