During the fifth inning of the first game in a National League Central doubleheader, Chourio rolled his ankle while trying to beat a throw to first base. The incident left Brewers fans holding their breath as he had to be helped off the field. To everyone’s relief, Chourio was back in action for the bottom half of the inning and finished the game with a solid 2-for-5 performance at the plate.

Although Chourio seemed to avoid a serious injury, the Brewers are playing it safe by keeping him out of the nightcap at Great American Ball Park, as reported by MLB.com’s Adam McCalvy. The young outfielder will undergo additional tests and treatment as a precaution.

For Brewers fans, this news is more significant than the road win. While securing home-field advantage throughout the NL playoffs is desirable, the team’s health is paramount. The Brewers have dominated their division for most of the season, holding a comfortable 10-game lead over the Chicago Cubs. With the postseason looming, the focus has shifted from regular-season victories to ensuring their key players are ready for October.

With All-Star Christian Yelich sidelined for the rest of the year, manager Pat Murphy knows how crucial it is to have Chourio in the lineup. The fact that Chourio, at just 20 years old, is already seen as indispensable speaks volumes about his value to the team. Despite a slow start to the season, Chourio has steadily improved, now batting .273 with 16 home runs, 62 RBIs, and a .764 OPS in 425 at-bats. His intangible qualities have kept him impactful as he continues to develop his game.

Chourio has been on a tear throughout the summer, hitting over .300 and recording at least eight extra-base hits in June, July, and August. His 18 RBIs this month have been vital for a Brewers team that has been without Yelich for five weeks. Chourio’s contributions have been so significant that the Brewers’ ownership signed him to an $82 million contract before he even took a swing in the MLB.

Chourio’s youthful energy has blended seamlessly with the Brewers’ dynamic roster. Even as he heals, the team can rely on other standout players like All-Star catcher William Contreras and iron-man shortstop Willy Adames, both of whom homered in Friday’s first game (their 19th and 25th of the season, respectively).

The Brewers have navigated numerous challenges this season, and with Chourio seemingly dodging a serious setback, it looks like they’ve sidestepped another.