Milwaukee Brewers Stephen Vogt facing long odds yet again

Milwaukee Brewers catcher Stephen Vogt has suffered a setback in his rehab, which may be enough to end his career.

Milwaukee Brewers catcher Stephen Vogt has been a study of perseverance throughout his career. He did not get a look at the major league level until he was already 27 years old, and then failed to get a hit in any of his 27 plate appearance, drawing two walks while striking out twice. It was not exactly the type of performance for a 27 year old catcher that would seemingly warrant another look.

Purchased by the Oakland Athletics in a minor move, he worked his way from a backup catcher to an All Star in two seasons. In 2015, Vogt posted a career best .261/.341/.443 batting line, hitting 18 homers and driving in 71 runs. Although he took a bit of a step back in 2016, Vogt made the All Star Game again, an amazing transformation for a player that was the only player from Opening Day in 2012 to end the season without a major league hit.

After a rough start to 2017, and being placed on waivers, Vogt came back once again, this time with the Brewers. He produced league average numbers, posting a .254/.281/.508 batting line with eight homers in his 129 plate appearances. Even though he missed a month of action, the Brewers were hoping his strong play in 2017 would carry over to this season.

Instead, Vogt’s career may be over. He had suffered a strained shoulder during Spring Training, and had appeared to be progressing towards a return to the majors. Instead, he suffered a setback during his rehab, damaging his anterior capsule, rotator cuff and the labrum in his right shoulder as he attempted to make a throw to third during a game. While he is going to get a second opinion, Vogt’s career may have come to an end.

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This would not be the first shoulder surgery for Vogt. He had previously had surgery on that same shoulder back in 2009 after just 37 plate appearances. Just two years later, Vogt was making his major league debut, having come all the way back from that initial injury.

If this is indeed the end for Vogt, he put together a solid career. A two time All Star over his six seasons, he had a .251/.310/.416 batting line, hitting 57 homers and 82 doubles. He was a solid catcher, close to league average behind the plate. Vogt also had a bit of versatility, spending time at first and in the outfield.

Should Vogt be able to make a comeback, that versatility may be why. After such a major injury, his arm may not be the same, but that would not matter at first. He could become a utility player, spending time at first and in the corner outfield, with the odd appearance behind the plate still possible.

Even if Vogt himself feels that the end is close at hand, it is difficult to count him out. He had been counted out before, and managed to defy the odds each time, becoming a solid major league catcher and an important cog on winning teams. He certainly has an uphill battle ahead should he pursue it, but he has faced long odds before. Why should this time be any different?

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Stephen Vogt may not suit up for the Milwaukee Brewers this season, or ever play in the majors again. But until he says that he is done, it is hard to count him out.