Joey Wiemer returned to American Family Field this past weekend not just as a former teammate, but as a living map of one of the most chaotic defensive plays in recent Milwaukee Brewers history.
The Washington Nationals outfielder brought with him a physical reminder of a September night in 2023 at Yankee Stadium: a scar on his left elbow. The mark serves as a permanent souvenir from a collision with teammate Sal Frelick that nearly became the defining image of a historic pitching performance.
During a high-stakes bid for a no-hitter, Wiemer and Frelick converged on a fly ball in right-center field. The result was a spectacular, albeit violent, collision on the warning track that allowed Frelick to secure the catch and retain the no-hitter intact through the 10th inning. Although the Brewers eventually surrendered the no-hitter in the 11th and lost the game in the 13th, the catch remains a standout highlight for the franchise.
For Wiemer, the glory of the play came with a personal cost. He noted that the scar on his elbow was caused by the scoreboard on the outfield wall during the impact. In addition to the wall, Wiemer took an elbow to the chin from Frelick during the scramble for the ball.
“I definitely got the worst of that one,” Wiemer said.
The cost of a defensive gem
The play at Yankee Stadium epitomized the desperation of a no-hitter attempt, where outfielders often play with a heightened sense of urgency. The collision was a byproduct of two players refusing to let a ball drop during a rare pitching masterpiece. Though the game’s final result was a loss, the sequence highlighted the defensive chemistry—and physical risk—inherent in the game.
Wiemer’s return to Milwaukee marks a whirlwind period in his professional career. Since his time with the Brewers, he has moved through several organizations, becoming a journeyman outfielder with a knack for timely hitting. He was most recently traded from Milwaukee to the Cincinnati Reds in July 2024 as part of the deal that brought pitcher Frankie Montas to the Brewers.
A path through the leagues
Wiemer’s movement across the league has been rapid, with the Nationals now serving as his fourth team in a short span. This volatility has not dampened his production; rather, it seems to have sharpened his approach at the plate.
| Period | Team | Key Event |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 – July 2024 | Milwaukee Brewers | Collision/No-hitter bid |
| July 2024 | Cincinnati Reds | Traded in Montas deal |
| Current | Washington Nationals | Current roster member |
Chasing history in the Live Ball Era
Beyond the defensive scars, Wiemer has spent the start of this season etching his name into the record books. He recently became only the second player in the Live Ball Era—the period since 1920—to reach base in 10 consecutive plate appearances to start a season.
This rare feat places him in the company of Toronto’s Carlos Delgado, who achieved the same mark in 2002. Reaching base 10 straight times to open a campaign requires a combination of disciplined plate vision and sheer luck, marking Wiemer as one of the most efficient lead-off threats in the league during the early stretch of the year.
This streak provided a significant psychological and statistical boost as Wiemer transitioned into his role with the Nationals. The ability to maintain such a high on-base percentage early in the season often signals a breakthrough in a player’s approach, especially for one who has navigated multiple clubhouses in a single calendar year.
Immediate impact at Wrigley Field
The momentum from his record-tying streak carried over into the Nationals’ opening series of the season. Facing the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, Wiemer delivered a masterclass in hitting.
Across a pair of Washington victories, Wiemer went a perfect 6-for-6. His performance was highlighted by two home runs, proving that he could translate his on-base discipline into raw power. For the Brewers fans watching his return to Milwaukee, the performance served as a reminder of the talent the club parted with during the July trade deadline.
While the scar on his elbow serves as a reminder of a collision in the Bronx, Wiemer’s current trajectory suggests he is more interested in the marks he is leaving on the stat sheet. From the warning track of Yankee Stadium to the ivy of Wrigley Field, Wiemer has evolved from a supporting character in a defensive highlight into a primary offensive catalyst for Washington.
The Nationals are scheduled to continue their early-season slate with a series of interleague matchups, where Wiemer’s ability to maintain his on-base efficiency will be a key focal point for the Washington coaching staff.
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