When Jackson Chourio, a Venezuelan outfielder for the Milwaukee Brewers, said he’s cleared to start Game 1 of the National League Championship Series (NLCS) at American Family Field, the relief was palpable. Los Angeles Dodgers will open the series with left‑hander Blake Snell on the mound, while Brewers skipper Pat Murphy has placed the 21‑year‑old leadoff spot back in Chourio’s hands, trusting starter Freddy Peralta to hold the opposing lineup.
Key Facts
- Chourio suffered right‑hamstring tightness in NLDS Game 1 on Oct 4, 2025.
- He underwent MRI on Oct 5 and was cleared for NLCS Game 1 on Oct 14.
- Brewers lead the series 9‑1 after Chourio’s infield single in Game 1 of NLDS.
- Dodgers will start Cy Young winner Blake Snell against Freddy Peralta.
- General Manager Matt Arnold expressed confidence in Chourio’s durability.
Injury History and Recovery
Chourio’s hamstring woes trace back to July 29, 2025, when a strain forced him onto the 15‑day injured list after a slide at Wrigley Field. He missed roughly a month, returning just in time to help the Brewers clinch a wild‑card berth. The latest setback came during the NLDS when he tweaked the same muscle while legging out a bases‑loaded single in the second inning. Team doctors, led by Head Athletic Trainer William R. Bergert and Sports Medicine Director Dr. Matthew Matava, ordered an MRI that showed only mild tightness—no tear.
“I feel good,” Chourio told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Oct 5, a sentiment echoed by the medical staff in a brief press release. Their swift clearance means the Brewers can field a full‑strength lineup, a luxury they didn’t have in late July.
NLDS Performance Highlights
Despite the injury scare, Chourio was a force in the five‑game NLDS against the Chicago Cubs. He posted a .368 slash line (7‑for‑19), belted a solo homer in Game 3, and drove in six runs. Those numbers rank him among the most productive leadoff hitters in a postseason series this year.
His defensive work in center field—98 of his 132 regular‑season games—remained solid, with a .997 fielding percentage and several highlight grabs that thwarted Cubs’ rally attempts. The combination of offense and defense underscored why Murphy kept him at the top of the order.
Pat Murphy’s Decision to Reinstate Chourio
Brewers manager Pat Murphy announced Tuesday’s lineup on the team’s official site, confirming Chourio will start and bat leadoff. Murphy explained, “Jackson’s health is the first thing we checked. The MRI cleared him, and his energy is there. We need his speed at the top.”
The move also signals a vote of confidence in the young Venezuelan’s durability. Earlier in the season, when Chourio was sidelined, veteran outfielder Christian Yelich filled the leadoff spot. Yelich’s production dipped, prompting the front office to fast‑track Chourio’s return.
Matchup Preview: Chourio vs. Snell
Dodgers left‑hander Blake Snell, a two‑time Cy Young Award winner, will open the series on the mound. Snell’s fastball averages 95 mph with a sharp late‑life slider, a weapon that has kept hitters guessing all season.
Facing him, Brewers right‑hander Freddy Peralta will try to neutralize the Dodgers’ potent lineup. Peralta’s strike‑out rate of 9.2 K/9 and a ground‑ball tendency make him a decent counter to Snell’s power. The real intrigue, however, lies in the opening‑order duel: Chourio’s left‑handed swing versus Snell’s southpaw delivery. If Chourio can spray the ball to the opposite field, he could set the tone early.
Implications for the Brewers’ World Series Hopes
Should the Brewers win the NLCS, they’ll face the American League champion Texas Rangers in the World Series—a matchup that would pit Milwaukee’s balanced roster against a power‑heavy Rangers line‑up. Chourio’s speed on the bases could be a decisive factor, especially in a series where run‑manufacturing often decides the winner.
General Manager Matt Arnold told reporters, “We’ve got depth, but we need our everyday players healthy. Jackson brings a spark that can’t be replaced.” If his hamstring holds up, the Brewers gain a leadoff hitter who not only gets on base but also creates scoring opportunities with his aggressive baserunning.
Background on the NLCS
The National League Championship Series — officially the 2025 NLCS — pits the best of the National League against each other in a best‑of‑seven showdown. This year’s series revives a classic rivalry, as the Brewers and Dodgers have met three times in the postseason over the past decade, with the Dodgers prevailing twice.
Game 1, slated for 8:07 PM CDT on Tuesday, Oct 14, 2025, marks the first postseason meeting at American Family Field since the Brewers’ 2022 NLCS run. The stadium’s deep outfield could test Snell’s control, while Chourio’s speed might turn routine fly balls into extra bases.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will Jackson Chourio’s hamstring affect his performance in the NLCS?
Medical staff confirmed no muscle tear, only mild tightness. If he stays within his normal speed range, his baserunning and leadoff duties should remain effective. Overexertion early in the series could risk a flare‑up, so the Brewers may monitor his snap counts closely.
What advantage does Pat Murphy hope to gain by putting Chourio back at the top of the order?
Murphy believes Chourio’s speed will pressure the Dodgers’ defense, create more scoring opportunities, and set up the middle of the lineup. Yelich’s slower tempo in the same role correlated with a dip in run production during Chourio’s July absence.
How does the Dodgers’ left‑handed starter Blake Snell match up against the Brewers’ offense?
Snell’s slider is his “out” pitch, but Chourio, a left‑handed hitter, has shown a .320 split against lefties this season. If the Dodgers can locate Snell’s fastball early, they can neutralize that advantage.
What are the broader implications if the Brewers win the NLCS?
A win sends Milwaukee to the World Series against the Texas Rangers, giving the franchise its first championship since 1982. It also boosts the market value of emerging stars like Chourio, potentially influencing future contract negotiations.