The Milwaukee Brewers are hitting the road again, and this time they're heading to Busch Stadium for a three-game showdown with the St. Louis Cardinals starting Monday night. After taking two of three from both the Diamondbacks and the Nationals in their last two series, the Crew sits at 18-15, good for fourth place in what's arguably the deepest division in baseball. Just above them? The Cardinals, who are tied for second at 20-14. St. Louis had been red-hot, riding a six-game win streak that included a four-game sweep of the Pirates and two wins over the Dodgers, but that run came to a halt on Sunday.
Let's talk about the Brewers' injury situation, because there's a lot to unpack. The big news: first baseman Andrew Vaughn is expected to rejoin the team for the first time since Opening Day after finishing his rehab assignment with Triple-A Nashville. Outfielder Jackson Chourio was also slated to return Monday, but after fouling a ball off his foot or ankle on Saturday night, that comeback might be delayed by a day or two. Still, we should see him soon. Jacob Misiorowski is another name to watch—he left Friday's win with cramps and was lined up to start the series finale in St. Louis, but the Brewers still have that spot listed as TBD. More on that below. Rounding out the list: Angel Zerpa (extended absence as he weighs Tommy John surgery), Brice Turang (day-to-day after being scratched with an illness Sunday), Brandon Woodruff (right arm inflammation, expected back in a couple weeks), Quinn Priester (rehabbing from thoracic outlet syndrome), Christian Yelich (has started running and hitting as he recovers from a groin strain), Jared Koenig (on a throwing program), Rob Zastryzny (playing catch again), and Akil Baddoo (TBD, but no earlier than a June return). That's a lot of names, but the Crew is hanging in there.
On the Cardinals' side, the injury list is much shorter. They're only without outfielder Lars Nootbaar and right-hander Matt Pushard. Nootbaar underwent surgery on both heels and hasn't played a game this season. He's on the 60-day IL and is eligible to return, but there's no firm timeline yet. For St. Louis, staying healthy has been a key part of their early success.
As for the pitching matchups, here's what we know: Monday's game will feature a battle of right-handers, with the Brewers sending out a starter who's been solid this season against a Cardinals arm that's been tough on opposing lineups. Tuesday's game could see some fireworks, and Wednesday's finale is still up in the air depending on Misiorowski's status. With both teams jockeying for position in the NL Central, this series has all the makings of a classic early-season clash.