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Milwaukee Brewers: Team Confirms Jake Bauers Injury Update, Suggesting Return Is Near 1 Aug 24, 2024; Oakland, California, USA; Milwaukee Brewers infielder Jake Bauers (9) shakes hands with a coach after scoring a run against the Oakland Athletics during the second inning at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-USA TODAY Sports

Milwaukee Brewers: Team Confirms Jake Bauers Injury Update, Suggesting Return Is Near

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By John Sbisa | Last updated Aug 14, 2025 1:18 PM ET

On the injured list dealing with left shoulder impingement, Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Jake Bauers has not appeared in a game since July 18. Even before he went out, he was slumping badly after a strong start, going 5-for-his-last-48. Hopefully that had something to do with the injury, as the team announced Thursday that Bauers is en route to Triple-A Nashville for a rehab assignment. This suggests that he is nearing a return, but how much playing time will he actually see in Milwaukee? A lot has changed.

Jake Bauers’ Milwaukee Brewers return likely to be short-lived

Or maybe a lot hasn’t changed, is the thing. Specifically, since being called up on July 7, Andrew Vaughn has shown no signs of slowing from his torrid start, just begun when Bauers went down. Vaughn was already getting the at bats over Bauers, and it will be no different when the latter comes back.

On the season, Bauers is batting .197/.318/.354 with five homeruns in 150 plate appearances.

What he could provide is a spot start here and there until Rhys Hoskins, projected to begin rehab in late August, makes his own return. Aside from a Tyler Black game, Vaughn has played basically every day without rest. Getting him off his feet every so often could prove helpful as the Brewers prepare for the stretch run.

27-4 in their last 31 games, 7.5 games ahead of the Cubs in the division, they have earned the luxury of keeping regulars fresh. Despite losing Hoskins, Bauers, and Jackson Chourio, the offense hasn’t missed a beat. Instead, the fire has blazed even higher: the Brewers have scored 103 runs during their current 12-game win streak.

Milwaukee Brewers' Andrew Vaughn Not Surprised by Team Character: Jul 29, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Andruw Monasterio (14) dumps Gatorade over Milwaukee Brewers first base Andrew Vaughn (28) head after the game in which Milwaukee Andrew Vaughn (28) hit a grand slam against the Chicago Cubs at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

The bad news for Bauers is that, once Hoskins returns, there won’t be a place for him on the roster. His ability to play the outfield barely improves his chances. Even with Chourio out, the rotations have been humming. Christian Yelich has logged reps there. Brandon Lockridge fits his role . Center fielder Blake Perkins has shown himself deserving of everyday at bats. Between him, Isaac Collins , and Sal Frelick, the Brewers have proven to be amply stocked as is.

Headed to Nashville now, Bauers is quite likely to finish the season there unless Hoskins has a setback. Whatever at bats he gains in the meantime may be the last time Brewers fans see him, as Bauers – Hoskins too – will enter free agency in the offseason.

Milwaukee Brewers: Team Confirms Jake Bauers Injury Update, Suggesting Return Is Near 3 Apr 28, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers first base Jake Bauers (9) rounds the bases after hitting a home run against the New York Yankees in the fifth inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports

Bauers returned to Milwaukee this season on a one-year deal worth $1.4 million. In 2024 for the Brewers, he hit .199/.301/.361 with 12 homers in 302 at bats.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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