Milwaukee Brewers 2023 first round pick Brock Wilken recently joined Baseball America for an interview and opened up regarding a traumatic injury that occurred just five games into the 2024 season. The injury he sustained was multiple facial fractures following a 95 MPH fastball hitting him in the left cheek. He underwent reconstructive surgery shortly afterwards, miraculously only missed 20ish games, and then finished out his first full professional season.
Brock Wilken opens up on his recovery following being hit in the face with a 95 MPH fastball
During the Baseball America interview, Brock Wilken discussed his ongoing recovery following being hit in the face with a 95 MPH fastball that resulted in him having to undergo surgery. Unsurprisingly, he mentioned the mental aspect of getting back to facing live pitching. He described an anxiety of “trying to hit with a piece of paper in front of your face” but the paper has been lowering into his peripheral vision. Wilken also talked about physical differences after the injury such as not seeing pitches as well.
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Milwaukee Brewers: Brock Wilken has taken steps forward in his recovery during the Arizona Fall League
One big mental hurdle that Brock Wilken has crossed following the conclusion of the Minor League season and in the Arizona Fall League is that he has discontinued using “the cage” batting helmet and has gone back to using just a c flap. He did indicate that having the cage on resulted in him not seeing pitches as well and not hitting pitches as well as he was used to.
More tests are coming this off-season
During the interview, Brock Wilken mentioned that he is going to undergo further eye testing this off-season. He feels like his eyes are not as sharp as they used to be and he wants to make sure that his eyes were not affected by the incident.
Brock Wilken’s full interview:
Related: Milwaukee Brewers – Brock Wilken sets 2 AFL home run derby records (watch).
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