Brewers Pitcher Angel Zerpa to Undergo Tommy John Surgery, Out Until 2027

In a disheartening turn of events for the Milwaukee Brewers, left-handed pitcher Angel Zerpa is set to undergo Tommy John surgery, effectively sidelining him for the remainder of the 2026 season and likely delaying his return until early 2027. This news comes just a day after the team celebrated the return of two of their top hitters, contrasting the highs and lows that can come with a long MLB season.

Zerpa, 26, was acquired from the Kansas City Royals last December in a trade that sent righty Nick Mears and switch-hitting outfielder Isaac Collins to the Royals. Initially, the move raised eyebrows, as Mears was considered a strong reliever and a valuable depth piece in the outfield. With a career ERA of 3.97 and a FIP of 4.13, Zerpa’s addition was seen as a gamble that has now taken a serious toll on the Brewers’ pitching depth.

He showcased his talent earlier this year during the World Baseball Classic, making six appearances for Team Venezuela. In those outings, Zerpa was impressive, allowing no runs over 5 1/3 innings, giving up just three hits and one walk while striking out eight. His early performance with the Brewers mirrored that success, as he started the season with four scoreless appearances, spanning 4 2/3 innings and striking out three batters.

However, the momentum was short-lived. Zerpa recorded his first career save in his fifth appearance, but his performance deteriorated in the following outings. Over his last eight appearances, he allowed 11 runs (nine earned) in just eight innings, pushing his ERA to 6.39 and his FIP to 5.35. A stint on the injured list began on April 29 due to left forearm tightness, and discussions about the potential for Tommy John surgery had been swirling over the weekend.

Now, with the decision made for surgery, Zerpa will be out of action for an extended period, missing his first arbitration season where he is set to earn $1.095 million. He will be eligible for arbitration again in 2027 and 2028, but the focus will now shift to his recovery.

The Brewers are facing a significant challenge in their pitching lineup, as they now find themselves without three key left-handed pitchers: Zerpa, Jared Koenig, and Rob Zastryzny, all of whom are sidelined for the foreseeable future. While Zastryzny and Koenig are expected to return by late May, the team will rely on four remaining lefties—Aaron Ashby, DL Hall, Shane Drohan, and Brian Fitzpatrick—to carry the bullpen in the meantime.

As the Brewers navigate this setback, the organization and fans alike will be hoping for a swift and successful recovery for Zerpa.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.