The Milwaukee Brewers' pitching staff is facing a potential setback as the 2026 season approaches. Quinn Priester, the promising young starter, might not be ready for Opening Day.
According to manager Pat Murphy, Priester is experiencing a slight delay in his preparation, which could impact his availability for the season's inaugural game. This news comes after Priester dealt with wrist soreness last season, a condition he managed to play through during the playoffs. But here's where it gets tricky: the team opted for a cautious approach this offseason, potentially affecting his readiness for the new season.
While the wrist issue doesn't seem to be a long-term concern, Priester's absence from spring appearances raises questions. The Brewers' plan to ease him back into action might mean he won't be at full starter capacity by the season's start. And this is the part most fans are curious about: if placed on the injured list to begin the season, Priester could be sent to the minors for rehab, missing only a couple of rotation turns.
Priester's rise to prominence began with a trade from the Red Sox, where he was once a highly-touted first-round pick. Milwaukee's faith in him paid off, as he delivered a stellar 3.32 ERA over 157 1/3 innings in 2025. His ability to induce ground balls at a high rate was a key factor in his success.
However, the Brewers' rotation is not without its concerns. Brandon Woodruff, a two-time All-Star, is also a question mark due to a lat strain last year. While Woodruff seems closer to full health, the team's rotation remains in flux. Jacob Misiorowski is the only other pitcher guaranteed a spot, leaving several contenders vying for the remaining spots.
The Brewers' strategy of utilizing their deep bullpen and shuffling pitchers from the minors could be pivotal. With only two pitchers unable to be optioned, the team has the flexibility to navigate injuries and find the right combination of starters. But will this strategy be enough to overcome these early-season hurdles? The answer may lie in the coming weeks as the Brewers fine-tune their rotation for the challenges ahead.
