John Axford headed to the Injured List, Angel Perdomo to replace him in Brewers bullpen

John Axford’s comeback attempt is hitting another bump in the road, as the 38-year-old’s first big league appearance in nearly three years is ending with a stint on the injured list.

Axford never quite looked right in his first appearance since September 2018, as he loaded the bases with a hit batter and two hits before walking in a run in the 9th inning of Monday night’s game against Pittsburgh.

He eventually left with the trainers after walking in a run against Ben Gamel, leaving Brad Boxberger to close out the game.

While the Brewers haven’t disclosed what’s ailing Axford — Craig Counsell told reporters that more tests need to be done, which sounds a bit ominous — they know enough to put him on the IL and recall Angel Perdomo to take his spot in the bullpen.

Axford’s comeback was a great story, and hopefully this isn’t a serious injury that would prevent him from getting another chance in the season’s final two months.

Additionally, Keston Hiura is the latest Brewer to land on the IL due to COVID-19, another piece of bad news for him as he continues to struggle through a tough year on and off the field. Hiura was optioned on July 31 to make room for Eduardo Escobar, but has evidently tested positive.