After an injury-filled journey and years away from a major-league start, Thomas Pannone is back with the Milwaukee Brewers.
The Milwaukee Brewers have added left-hander Thomas Pannone to the major-league roster, selecting his contract ahead of Wednesday's start. To make room on the active roster, the club optioned right-hander Garrett Stallings to Triple-A Nashville.
Because Milwaukee already had an opening on its 40-man roster, no additional roster move was necessary to complete the transaction.
For Pannone, the promotion marks another chapter in a winding professional career that has taken him through multiple organizations, overseas baseball, and a lengthy recovery from injury.
Opportunity comes after years of perseverance
Wednesday's outing will be Pannone's first major-league start since 2023 and just his second appearance with Milwaukee.
His previous stint with the Brewers was brief. After making a start against the Pittsburgh Pirates in late June 2023, he was designated for assignment shortly afterward and eventually released.
Rather than ending his pursuit of a major-league career, Pannone continued searching for opportunities. He returned to the Korean Baseball Organization, pitching for the Kia Tigers before coming back to the United States.
During the 2024 season, he spent time in the minor-league systems of both the Chicago Cubs and Detroit Tigers, continuing to work toward another chance in the majors.
Injury delayed his return
Milwaukee brought Pannone back on a minor-league contract before the 2025 season, and he attracted attention during spring training with adjustments to his pitching delivery designed to maximize his effectiveness.
However, his comeback was interrupted when he suffered a flexor tendon tear during camp. The injury sidelined him for the entire 2025 season, forcing the veteran to postpone his return to competitive action.
Instead of rushing back, Pannone spent months rehabbing before returning to the mound in 2026, gradually rebuilding his workload with Triple-A Nashville.
Strong Triple-A season earns promotion
Pannone's performance this season convinced the Brewers he was ready for another opportunity at the highest level.
Across 16 appearances, including 15 starts, the left-hander posted a 4.13 ERA over 72 innings while recording 57 strikeouts. His ability to provide consistent innings gave Milwaukee another experienced option as the club continues navigating its pitching depth.
Now 31, Pannone returns to the majors after overcoming multiple setbacks, hoping this latest opportunity will lead to a more permanent role with the Brewers. His promotion serves as the culmination of a lengthy comeback, one built on persistence through roster moves, international competition, and a season-long injury absence.
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