Pat Murphy Announces Reason for William Contreras' Removal From Brewers Lineup

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Sep 27, 2025 5:42 PM ET

William Contreras has been an important piece of the Milwaukee Brewers since his arrival ahead of the 2023 season. The 27-year-old catcher has continued to emerge as a star, three years after being dealt from the Atlanta Braves, in what is shaping up to be one of the most lopsided trades in recent history.

Contreras finished fifth in NL MVP voting last year, collected his second career All-Star selection and second Silver Slugger Award. Over 150 games this year, Contreras has posted a .260 batting average, .355 on-base percentage, .754 OPS, 17 home runs and 76 RBIs, while helping lead Milwaukee to the top seed in the National League.

Contreras’ numbers have slightly regressed this year at the plate, but the Brewers’ backstop has dealt with a plethora of injuries. He is currently playing through a fractured left middle finger that requires surgery he has delayed until the offseason. More recently, on Sept. 21, Contreras was struck by a batter’s swing inadvertently while catching in the left wrist, forcing him out of the game (and resulting in catcher’s interference), yet he returned to the lineup a day later.

William Contreras Update Emerges Before Reds Game

Ahead of Saturday’s game against the Cincinnati Reds, Contreras was notably absent from the lineup, with Danny Jansen taking over behind the plate. Brewers manager Pat Murphy announced the reason for his removal was due to lingering discomfort from the catcher’s interference last Sunday, and the club is being cautious, attempting to take care of it before the postseason.

“No Contreras today as Pat Murphy says he's still dealing with a hand issue after that catchers interference on the road trip. They're trying to take care of that and not let it get more serious,” wrote David Gasper of Athlon Sports.

No Contreras today as Pat Murphy says he's still dealing with a hand issue after that catchers interference on the road trip

They're trying to take care of that and not let it get more serious https://t.co/L0cELTFbK1
— David Gasper (@dgasper24) September 27, 2025

Contreras had continued to downplay the issue a day after it happened, but it’s clearly worth monitoring as it has affected his availability almost a week later.

Contreras has shown a willingness to play through discomfort to stay on the field and contribute, but with the first-round bye already secured, Milwaukee may be better off resting him until the divisional round. His availability will be critical if the Brewers hope to make a deep postseason run.

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

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