For the second time in the last three off-seasons, the Milwaukee Brewers made a selection in the Major League phase of the Rule-5 draft. In 2023 they temporarily acquired pitcher Gus Varland from the Los Angeles Dodgers. This year, they picked up southpaw Connor Thomas from the St. Louis Cardinals.
Unfortunately, the 27 year old has been dealing with an issue in his throwing elbow this year. Thomas was placed on the injured list after just two appearances with the Brewers and had a diagnosis of elbow arthritis. Now, word is that he sustained a setback during his rehab and has been shutdown.
Brewers Rule-5 pick Connor Thomas shutdown after setback
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Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Connor Thomas (77) fields a throw at first base during spring training workouts Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the American Family Fields of Phoenix in Phoenix, Arizona.
David Gasper of Athlon Sports recently reported that Thomas sustained a setback. Gasper wrote that loose bodies in his elbow appeared after a rehab outing at the end of May, he has been shutdown, and is “back to square one”.
There might be a silver lining to this setback
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Feb 21, 2025; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Connor Thomas (77) poses during photo day. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Injuries are an unfortunate part of sports, but in this instance Thomas’ setback might actually work somewhat in the Brewers favor long term. Thomas is already on the 60-day injured list, therefore not occupying a 40-man roster spot, and if this set back is significant enough to sideline him the remainder of the season he won’t have to be forced back onto the big league roster. This would give Milwaukee more time to continue working with him and developing him.
Should Thomas progress back to being ready to play this year, because he is a Rule-5 selection he would have to be placed on the active roster once ready. If Milwaukee chose not to do that, they could potentially lose him as he would have to be offered back to the Cardinals and/or exposed to waivers.
It will be interesting to see what happens with Thomas going forward. Right now getting his elbow figured out is the top priority, and whether they can manage it conservatively vs surgically may be the biggest question.
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