Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Blake Perkins suffered a fracture in his right shin after accidentally hitting himself with a foul ball during batting practice, as reported by manager Pat Murphy to MLB.com’s Adam McCalvy and other media outlets. Perkins is expected to miss approximately 3-4 weeks for recovery, with Murphy suggesting that a return to the major league roster could occur in May under ideal conditions.

This unfortunate injury comes at a challenging time for the 28-year-old Perkins, who has demonstrated exceptional defensive skills during his two seasons in the MLB, both with the Brewers. He was named a Gold Glove finalist in the National League for center field in 2024, boasting a +7.7 UZR/150, +10 in Outs Above Average, and +8 Defensive Runs Saved across 956 1/3 innings in the outfield. Perkins also showcased his impressive speed, successfully stealing 23 bases out of 28 attempts last season.

While his base running was a highlight, Perkins’ overall offensive output was limited, hitting .240/.316/.332 over 434 plate appearances. This performance closely aligns with his career statistics, resulting in an 85 wRC+ over a total of 602 plate appearances in the majors. On a positive note, the switch hitter recorded a better .271 average against left-handed pitchers last year, making him a reliable platoon option alongside left-handed hitting Garrett Mitchell in center field as the Brewers approach the 2025 season.

With Perkins set to be sidelined throughout April, the recently acquired Manuel Margot will step in as Milwaukee’s primary backup outfielder. Jackson Chourio is expected to take on an everyday role in right field, while Margot, a right-handed batter, could provide rest for either Mitchell or Sal Frelick in left field. Christian Yelich may also see action in left field but will likely focus more on designated hitting as he continues his recovery from back surgery.

Other options for the outfield include Isaac Collins, Brewer Hicklen, and Jared Oliva, although the addition of Margot suggests the Brewers sought a more veteran presence while Perkins is healing. Additionally, there is a possibility that the team might look for further outfield depth in the coming spring, whether from the available free agents or through roster adjustments as teams begin making cuts later in March.