The Milwaukee Brewers will wait a little longer for Sal Frelick’s return. Manager Pat Murphy said the outfielder will not rejoin the club Friday or Saturday before Milwaukee opens its weekend series against the Atlanta Braves.

Frelick has been sidelined since July with a right shoulder strain, but his recovery appears to be progressing. Murphy offered an encouraging update on the 26-year-old outfielder, saying, “I think you’ll see him very soon.”

Frelick has also been getting at-bats during his minor league rehab assignment with Triple-A Nashville. The Brewers are taking a cautious approach with his return as they continue to build toward the final stretch of the season.

Sal Frelick will not rejoin the Brewers today nor tomorrow, Pat Murphy said. But, “I think you’ll see him very soon,” Murph said.

— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) August 21, 2026

The timing of Frelick’s eventual return could give Milwaukee another useful option in an outfield that has remained productive during his absence. Garrett Mitchell has helped fill the void in center field, while Jackson Chourio has also provided offensive production.

The Brewers enter the Braves series in strong position atop the National League Central. Milwaukee owns a 79-49 record and holds a five-game advantage over the Chicago Cubs, giving the club some room to manage Frelick’s recovery without rushing him back.

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Frelick was batting .236 with a .301 on-base percentage, four home runs, 14 doubles and 34 RBIs across 90 games before his injury. His return would give Murphy another left-handed option as Milwaukee prepares for the postseason push.

For now, the Brewers will continue to wait. Murphy’s latest comments suggest Frelick’s return is approaching, but the club has not committed to a specific activation date.

With Milwaukee already in control of the division, the priority appears to be making sure Frelick is ready to contribute when he returns rather than forcing him back before he is fully prepared.

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