Brewers' Quinn Priester to miss at least first month of season

Pitcher dealing with nerve issue related to thoracic outlet syndrome

Mar. 14, 2026 at 3:19pm

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Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Quinn Priester expects to miss at least the first month of the 2026 MLB season as he recovers from a nerve issue that has been diagnosed as partially related to thoracic outlet syndrome. The 25-year-old right-hander had a breakthrough season in 2025 after being acquired from the Boston Red Sox, going 13-3 with a 3.32 ERA, but will now have to wait to get back on the mound.

Why it matters

Priester's absence is a significant blow to the Brewers, who are looking to build on their success from last season. The team won 19 straight games with Priester on the mound, and his strong performance in the playoffs was a key factor in their postseason run. His recovery timeline will be closely watched as the Brewers aim to remain competitive in the NL Central.

The details

Priester had been dealing with an apparent wrist problem for much of the spring training period. Brewers manager Pat Murphy told reporters that Priester received a diagnosis indicating the issue was at least partially related to thoracic outlet syndrome, a condition that can cause nerve pain and weakness in the arm. Priester is hoping to return in late April or May, but acknowledged that the team will take a cautious approach to ensure he doesn't suffer any setbacks.

  • Priester expects to miss at least the first month of the 2026 MLB season.

The players

Quinn Priester

A 25-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers who had a breakthrough season in 2025 after being acquired from the Boston Red Sox.

Pat Murphy

The manager of the Milwaukee Brewers.

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What they’re saying

“I think in my head late April or May, but I certainly think I'm on the optimistic side — as a player, I want to be back as quick as possible. Ultimately I'll trust whatever the scheduling is there to make sure we do it right, so then we don't run into anything else trying to rush it back.”

— Quinn Priester, Pitcher

“I feel like we've kind of been dancing around what some of these issues were. Just to have a clear path forward I think is really good.”

— Quinn Priester, Pitcher

What’s next

The Brewers will monitor Priester's recovery closely and provide updates on his potential return timeline as he works to recover from the nerve issue related to thoracic outlet syndrome.

The takeaway

Priester's injury is a setback for the Brewers, who will need to find ways to remain competitive in his absence. The team's depth and ability to overcome adversity will be tested as they aim to build on their success from last season without one of their top pitchers.