The Milwaukee Brewers received a major boost to their lineup just in time for a pivotal series opener in St. Louis. On May 4, the team activated both first baseman Andrew Vaughn and outfielder Jackson Chourio from the injured list, bringing two much-needed power bats back to the heart of the order as they faced the Cardinals at Busch Stadium.

While Vaughn's return was always expected on this date, Chourio's status became a game-time decision after a minor scare in his final rehab appearance with Triple-A Nashville on May 2. The young outfielder fouled a ball off his foot and ankle, forcing him to leave the game early. Fortunately, X-rays came back negative, and after putting on an impressive display of running and lateral agility drills in the Busch Stadium outfield, Chourio was given the green light to rejoin the team.

To make room on the roster, the Brewers optioned outfielder Blake Perkins to Nashville and designated infielder Greg Jones for assignment.

Vaughn's return marks the end of a challenging recovery from a fractured hamate bone in his left hand, an injury he suffered on opening day. After undergoing surgery, the initial prognosis was a four-to-six-week timeline, and Vaughn hit that mark perfectly. He logged three rehab games with Nashville, totaling 12 plate appearances, and looks ready to jump back into the lineup.

For Chourio, simply avoiding another serious injury is a victory in itself. The 22-year-old has had a frustrating start to the season, originally sidelined by a hairline fracture in his left hand suffered during a World Baseball Classic exhibition on March 4. What was initially reported as a minor bruise turned into a more significant issue when further imaging on the eve of opening day revealed structural damage in his middle finger. The Brewers initially projected a two-to-four-week recovery, so returning on May 4—just shy of a six-week absence—is a welcome sight.

The timing couldn't be better. The Brewers' offense has been in desperate need of a spark, ranking second-to-last in Major League Baseball with just 22 home runs. Over their previous 17 games, they managed only four long balls. With Vaughn's proven power and Chourio's dynamic all-around game back in the fold, Milwaukee is hoping this injection of talent can reignite a lineup that has struggled to find its rhythm.