Luis Lara
RF · Age 21 · Bats Switch
Where things stand
Luis Lara has established himself as a regular contributor for the Brewers despite offensive struggles, earning significant playing time over the past month with strong defensive performances that have drawn comparisons to Gold Glove-caliber play. The 21-year-old right fielder hit his first career home run in Milwaukee's blowout win over Seattle and has accumulated plus-3 Defensive Runs Saved while posting a 92 wRC+ through 85 plate appearances. Lara's roster security appears solid for now, as the Brewers plan to send down Brandon Lockridge rather than Lara when Sal Frelick returns from injury, though the team will need to balance playing time among multiple outfielders going forward.
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2026 season
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Luis Lara coverage
Brewers Designate Jonathan Ornelas For Assignment
The Brewers reinstated outfielder Sal Frelick from the injured list and designated infielder/outfielder Jonathan Ornelas for assignment. Ornelas appeared in just three games for Milwaukee after joining the team in a post-trade deadline deal with Oakland, collecting two hits in nine at-bats while filling in at second base. Frelick has been sidelined since mid-July with a right shoulder strain, though he revealed he's been playing through a torn labrum. Frelick's return could affect the playing time of outfielders Garrett Mitchell and Luis Lara.
MLB Trade RumorsLuis Lara’s first career homer pays homage to former Brewers outfielder now playing for the Cubs
Luis Lara, the 21-year-old Brewers right fielder, hit his first career home run during Milwaukee's 22-0 victory over Seattle, becoming only the second player in franchise history to accomplish this feat against a position player. Lara's blast came off a 37-mph eephus pitch thrown by Leo Rivas, traveling 372 feet with a 98.1 mph exit velocity and a 30-degree launch angle. The achievement mirrors Tyrone Taylor's first career homer in 2020, when the current Cubs outfielder homered off a Tigers position player.
Reviewing the Brew3 Brewers who could be squeezed out of roster spots before the end of August
The Milwaukee Brewers face roster decisions as injured players near returns. Cooper Pratt is expected back Wednesday after a hamstring strain, Sal Frelick approaches his return from a shoulder injury, and JoJo Romero plans a rehab assignment following appendix surgery. Jonathan Ornelas, acquired in a post-deadline trade, will likely be designated for assignment within days once the infielders return. Brandon Lockridge and Luis Lara are competing for outfield time, with Lara currently favored, putting Lockridge's roster spot in jeopardy.
Reviewing the BrewBrewers have made clear which outfielder will be sent down upon Sal Frelick's return from IL
The Milwaukee Brewers plan to send down Brandon Lockridge when Sal Frelick returns from his right shoulder injury in mid-August. Lockridge, who was reinstated August 1st, has appeared in only six games and hasn't completed a full contest, while prospect Luis Lara has earned regular playing time in 22 of the 24 games since Frelick's July 18 injury, including earning MLB's Play of the Week for a defensive effort against Minnesota. Lara signed a seven-year extension in June and has a .658 OPS through 85 plate appearances, compared to Frelick's .631 OPS before his injury. The Brewers will need to determine how to balance Frelick and Lara's playing time going forward, with Jake Bauers also factoring into the outfield rotation.
Reviewing the BrewThis Brewers rookie's Gold Glove-caliber defensive abilities have been as advertised
Brewers rookie Luis Lara has impressed defensively in his first 25 games, accumulating plus-3 Defensive Runs Saved in right field and making highlight-reel catches regularly. His offensive production has lagged with a 92 wRC+, though he's shown patience at the plate with a 13.8% walk rate and stole 89 bases in the minors this year. While some defensive metrics rate him as average, his speed and growing familiarity with right field suggest his defensive value should increase over time. The Brewers signed him to a seven-year extension before his debut, betting on his elite defensive abilities to carry him while his bat develops.
Reviewing the Brew