The Brewers announced Wednesday that All-Star catcher Jonathan Lucroy is expected to miss 4-6 weeks due to a mild strain of his right hamstring.
Brewers assistant general manager Gord Ash said Lucroy's agent called with the news of the injury, per the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The injury is at the top of the leg, where it attaches to the hip. Ash added Lucroy mentioned some soreness in that area at end of 2014 season, but the team had no concerns about the injury at the time. Lucroy told MLB.com the injury flared up when he ramped up his running two weeks ago. Lucroy received a PRP injection Tuesday to help with the healing.
Lucroy was examined Monday by Brewers head physician William Raasch, who initially diagnosed the injury. It was then confirmed Tuesday during a second opinion with Marlins medical director Dr. Lee Kaplan, per MLB.com.
Ash said Lucroy can do some hitting, fielding and throwing while he recovers from the injury. He just can't run or perform any activities that might put serious strain on his hamstring.
Ash said the Brewers are "very hopeful" Lucroy will be ready by opening day. Martin Maldonado is Lucroy's backup and catcher Juan Centeno is also on the 40-man roster. Brewers pitchers and catchers are expected to report for spring training Feb. 20.
This is an unfortunate setback for Lucroy, who is coming off his first All-Star season. He also finished fourth in the NL MVP voting and totaled a league-leading 53 doubles in 2014.
Lucroy has been a very good offensive catcher since 2013. Over the last two seasons, he is batting .291 with a .357 on-base percentage, .460 slugging percentage and .817 OPS.