The Milwaukee Brewers are facing growing uncertainty surrounding left-hander Angel Zerpa, whose recent forearm issue may lead to a significant stint on the sidelines.

After placing Zerpa on the Injured List earlier in the week, manager Pat Murphy indicated the situation could be more serious than initially hoped, noting that surgical intervention is now a possibility.

While the exact diagnosis has not been confirmed, forearm tightness in pitchers often signals deeper concerns. Such discomfort can be associated with ligament damage, tendon issues, or nerve irritation, all of which can require extended recovery timelines depending on severity.

For now, the Brewers appear to be preparing for the likelihood that Zerpa will not return in the near future.

Milwaukee had high expectations for Zerpa after acquiring him in an offseason deal with the Kansas City Royals. The move, which sent Isaac Collins and Nick Mears the other way, was aimed at adding a controllable left-handed arm with a track record of inducing ground balls.

Zerpa had shown promise during his time in Kansas City, making him an intriguing addition to a Brewers pitching development system known for maximizing talent.

However, his transition to Milwaukee has been difficult. In limited action this season, Zerpa struggled to find consistency, allowing frequent baserunners while seeing both his strikeout rate decline and his walk rate climb. His velocity has also dipped slightly, a subtle but notable change that can sometimes accompany physical issues.

From 2021 through 2025 with the Royals, Zerpa had been a reliable contributor, posting respectable run prevention numbers while generating a high percentage of ground balls. That profile made him a logical fit for Milwaukee’s pitching philosophy, but those plans are now on hold as the team evaluates his health.

The Brewers’ bullpen has absorbed multiple hits, with fellow left-handers Rob Zastryzny and Jared Koenig also sidelined due to injury. Despite that, the organization still has depth from the left side, including Aaron Ashby and DL Hall, both of whom have delivered strong results despite occasional command issues.

If Zerpa ultimately requires surgery, then his absence could stretch well beyond this season. Still, with multiple years of team control remaining, Milwaukee’s long-term outlook on the lefty may hinge on a full recovery rather than immediate contributions.

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