This is the fourth time that Bukauskas has injured the same lat, but the first time that he will be undergoing a surgical procedure on the nagging area. “It sounds weird but I’m excited,” he said. “I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and finally get it fixed.” The 28-year-old was once the closer-in-waiting for the Diamondbacks, so perhaps he can fight his way back into an MLB bullpen in 2026 if he can get his lat issue corrected.

Bukauskas had a setback during a bullpen session earlier this week. Now the 28-year-old right-hander is deciding between surgery or rehab. The former 1st-round pick by the Astros in 2017 dealt with lat issues last year, though it’s unclear if this is a new injury. A timeline for Bukauskas’ return won’t be known until he decides whether or not to have surgery, but he figures to miss at least a chunk of the season at this point.

The Brewers are not providing a lot of information right now, but we know that Bukauskas felt something during a live bullpen session on Wednesday and is being sent for an MRI of his right arm. The 28-year-old was a longshot to make the opening day roster, but he had once been a top prospect in the Diamondback’s organization and a former first-round pick. Injuries have continued to get in his way and, sadly, may have done so again.

Bukauskas went unclaimed after the Brewers designated the right-hander for assignment. The 28-year-old former first-round pick gives the Brewers a depth option for the 2025 campaign but not much else.