Brewers reliever experiences horrible injury luck after year of Tommy John rehab

The Milwaukee Brewers have placed reliever Justin Wilson on the 15-day injured list due to a left lat strain. Milwaukee recalled Trevor Megill from Triple-A Nashville to take the open active roster spot. The Brewers also optioned Jahmai Jones to Nashville, as newly-acquired first baseman Carlos Santana has reported to the team.

It’s a brutal development for Wilson. The left-hander had completed a near 14-month rehab after undergoing Tommy John surgery last June. He was reinstated from the injured list to make his Milwaukee debut Friday night. While throwing his warmup pitches, he sustained the lat injury.

While it isn’t clear how long Wilson is expected to be out, manager Craig Counsell said shortly after last night’s game the injury appeared “pretty significant” (link via Adam McCalvy of MLB.com). His absence again leaves Hoby Milner as the only southpaw in the MLB bullpen. If the Brewers anticipate another significant IL stay for Wilson, perhaps the front office will look to add lefty relief help in the next three days.

Wilson’s contract contains a $2.5M club option or a $150K buyout for next season. This obviously wasn’t the way in which he envisioned beginning his Milwaukee tenure as he tries to work his way to having that option picked up.