Brewers Lose Reliever Koenig to UCL Injury Amid Hot Start

Milwaukee must continue early-season success without veteran right-hander for 2-4 weeks.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 4:03am

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The Milwaukee Brewers, off to an 8-2 start and among the league's top offensive and pitching teams, will be without veteran reliever Jared Koenig for 2-4 weeks due to a sprained left elbow ligament. The team has called up 27-year-old Shane Drohan from their Triple-A affiliate to fill Koenig's spot.

Why it matters

Koenig has been a reliable bullpen arm for the Brewers, posting a 2.67 ERA and 9.2 strikeouts per nine innings last season. His absence will test the depth of Milwaukee's pitching staff as they look to maintain their strong start and contend in the NL Central.

The details

Koenig suffered the sprained UCL injury in his last outing, and the initial diagnosis is that he can recover through rehab without needing surgery. In his limited action this season, Koenig has struck out four batters in 2.1 innings. To replace him, the Brewers have called up right-hander Shane Drohan from Triple-A Nashville, where he allowed four walks and two earned runs in 3.1 innings in his only appearance this year.

  • Koenig suffered the injury in his last outing on April 6, 2026.
  • The Brewers placed Koenig on the 15-day IL on April 7, 2026.
  • Drohan was called up from Triple-A Nashville on April 7, 2026.

The players

Jared Koenig

A veteran right-handed reliever for the Milwaukee Brewers who has a 15-5 record and 2.67 ERA over the past two seasons.

Shane Drohan

A 27-year-old right-handed pitcher who has been called up from the Brewers' Triple-A affiliate in Nashville to replace the injured Koenig.

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What they’re saying

“Jared Koenig's sprained UCL is a 'big concern,' Pat Murphy says, though the initial read is that it can be treated with rehab. Best case is he's back in 2-4 weeks.”

— Adam McCalvy, MLB.com Reporter

What’s next

The Brewers will monitor Koenig's recovery progress over the next 2-4 weeks to determine if he can return without needing surgery. In the meantime, Drohan will look to contribute out of the bullpen as Milwaukee aims to maintain their strong start to the season.

The takeaway

Koenig's injury is a significant blow to the Brewers' bullpen depth, but the team's strong start and offensive production should help them weather his absence. How Drohan and the rest of the pitching staff perform in Koenig's stead will be crucial as Milwaukee tries to stay atop the NL Central.