Brewers FeedBrandon Woodruff
P · Age 33 · Bats Left · Throws Right
Where things stand
Brandon Woodruff accepted a qualifying offer to remain with the Brewers in 2026 after choosing rehabilitation over surgery for a shoulder injury that sidelined him since late April. The right-hander has expressed confidence about returning for a potential World Series appearance, telling reporters it will be hard to keep him off that roster, though he has not pitched in an actual game since early July and would likely serve in a low-leverage relief role if he does return. Woodruff completed a five-week throwing progression and awaits clearance to throw off a mound, with the World Series representing the earliest realistic timeline for his comeback.
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Brandon Woodruff coverage
Brewers' Brandon Woodruff fuels fire of a World Series return with postgame celebration comments
The Brewers swept the Dodgers in the NLCS to reach their first World Series, with Game 1 scheduled for October 24 at home. Brandon Woodruff, sidelined since July 4 with a right shoulder injury he chose to rehab rather than have surgery, expressed confidence about returning for the Fall Classic, telling reporters "It's going to be hard to keep me off that roster." The seven-day break before the World Series gives Woodruff additional time to prepare, though he will need to prove his readiness through simulations and scrimmages without having pitched in an actual game since early July.
Reviewing the BrewBrandon Woodruff Hopes To Pitch In World Series
The Brewers advanced to the World Series for the first time since 1982 by sweeping the Dodgers, holding Los Angeles to just 11 runs across four games. Right-hander Brandon Woodruff, sidelined since July 4th with shoulder inflammation, expressed confidence about joining the roster despite not having pitched in months or appeared in any rehab games. Woodruff would likely serve as a low-leverage reliever if he makes it back, as the Brewers' pitching staff performed well throughout the NLCS without him. The veteran pitcher is set to become a free agent after a season limited by injury, having thrown only 177 innings since the start of 2023.
MLB Trade RumorsBrewers news: Brandon Woodruff update, Shohei Ohtani benching decision, Blake Snell's pre-start comments
The Brewers hold a 2-0 series lead over the defending champion Dodgers in the NLCS, a position unprecedented in franchise history across their five previous League Championship Series appearances. Brandon Woodruff threw a 31-pitch bullpen session and reported his stuff felt "pretty good" as he continues rehabbing a shoulder injury with hopes of returning for a potential World Series appearance, though his availability remains unlikely. Dave Roberts is considering benching four-time MVP Shohei Ohtani, and the Brewers will start Robert Gasser in Game 3 as they aim to close out the series quickly.
Reviewing the BrewNotes: Woodruff takes another step towards long-shot bid for World Series roster
MLB.com Brewers2026 NLCS Series Preview: Milwaukee Brewers vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
The Milwaukee Brewers, who won 103 games in the regular season, face the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS after defeating San Diego in the NLDS. This marks the second consecutive year and third meeting in nine years between these division rivals, who split their seven regular-season matchups with Milwaukee winning four games. The Brewers will be without several pitchers including Brandon Woodruff, while the Dodgers are dealing with injuries to Miguel Rojas and multiple relief arms, though Shohei Ohtani remains available as a hitter despite not pitching this season. Milwaukee's balanced offense and strong pitching staff will face a Dodgers team led by their formidable rotation of Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tarik Skubal, Blake Snell, and Tyler Glasnow.
Brew Crew BallBrandon Woodruff's revealed timeline gives Brewers even more motivation this postseason
Brandon Woodruff accepted a $22.025 million qualifying offer to stay with the Brewers in 2026, prioritizing postseason availability over early-season health. After shoulder inflammation sidelined him for two months starting in late April, he returned briefly before landing on the injured list again in July. Rather than undergo surgery recommended by his surgeon Dr. Keith Meister, Woodruff chose to rehabilitate the injury after seeing improvement during a pre-surgery evaluation, with the World Series now representing the earliest realistic timeline for his potential return this postseason.
Reviewing the BrewNLDS Game 1 Discussion: Milwaukee Brewers (0-0) vs San Diego Padres (0-0)
The Brewers and Padres begin their NLDS matchup with Jacob Misiorowski, the NL Cy Young favorite with a 1.80 ERA and 252 strikeouts, starting for Milwaukee against Padres veteran Robbie Ray. Manager Pat Murphy chose Christian Yelich as DH over Andrew Vaughn and moved hot-hitting Cooper Pratt into the sixth spot in the batting order, while the Padres countered with four left-handed batters mixed among their lineup of established hitters. Brandon Woodruff remains sidelined but will soon begin throwing off a mound, with the earliest possible return being the World Series.
Brew Crew BallBrewers Notes: Vaughn, Woodruff
The Brewers activated Andrew Vaughn from the injured list Friday, making him eligible for their Division Series roster against the Padres after missing time due to illness. Vaughn batted .306 with a .390 on-base percentage in 331 plate appearances this season and should be available for Game 1, where he figures to face left-handed pitcher Robbie Ray. The Brewers face a roster construction challenge with corner infield depth, as Jake Bauers has been one of the National League's best hitters while Christian Yelich has struggled since April and Joey Ortiz is dealing with knee and abdominal injuries. Brandon Woodruff, sidelined with a shoulder injury, continues his recovery and threw from flat ground Friday with hopes of pitching off a mound soon, keeping alive a remote possibility of returning for a potential World Series appearance.
MLB Trade RumorsWoodruff (shoulder) maintaining optimism he can return this postseason
MLB.com BrewersNL Injury Notes: Freeman, Henriquez, Elder, Ortiz, Woodruff
Freddie Freeman used the Dodgers' five-day playoff break to work on his swing mechanics and address right knee tendinitis that affected his performance down the stretch, though he acknowledged playing poorly rather than solely blaming the injury. Edgardo Henriquez was activated from the injured list after missing time with lower back discomfort and is expected to participate in a throwing session Wednesday as the Dodgers prepare their NLDS roster. Bryce Elder faced hitters in live batting practice Monday while recovering from knee surgery but remains uncertain about his availability for the Braves' potential NLDS matchup this weekend. Brandon Woodruff completed a five-week throwing progression and awaits clearance from his doctor to throw off a mound, keeping alive a slim possibility he could pitch if the Brewers advance deep into the playoffs.
MLB Trade RumorsSeries Preview: Milwaukee Brewers @ Philadelphia Phillies
The Milwaukee Brewers conclude their final road trip by visiting the Philadelphia Phillies, who sit in the final Wild Card spot four games ahead of Arizona with six games remaining. Milwaukee leads baseball with a 98-58 record while Philadelphia stands at 86-70, and the Brewers won two of three when these teams met in June. Both teams face significant injury concerns, with Milwaukee missing starters Quinn Priester and Brandon Woodruff, while Philadelphia is without pitchers Jesús Luzardo and Caleb Kilian. Kyle Schwarber leads the majors with 45 homers for the Phillies, while the Brewers' offense is led by Jake Bauers and Jackson Chourio, with Brice Turang one homer and steal away from a 20-20 season.
Brew Crew BallSurprising Shane Drohan stat proves rookie southpaw has been Brewers’ pitching staff’s unsung hero
Rookie Shane Drohan has pitched 120 1/3 innings for the Brewers, the second-most on the team behind Jacob Misiorowski, while serving as both a starter and reliever. Though his overall 4.26 ERA is modest, Drohan has excelled in relief with a 1.55 ERA across 13 appearances while averaging over five innings per start. His versatility has proven invaluable given injuries to Brandon Woodruff and Quinn Priester, and advanced metrics like his 3.84 xERA suggest better results may come as he develops.
Reviewing the Brew3 overlooked front office moves that were key to Brewers' fourth consecutive division title
The Milwaukee Brewers won their fourth consecutive National League Central division title, a record for the division in its 32-year history. Only Brandon Woodruff and Christian Yelich remain from the first championship team in this streak, as the front office has made significant personnel changes while also signing young players like Aaron Ashby and Jackson Chourio to long-term deals. Jake Bauers, signed to a $2.7 million deal last offseason after a minor league stint, has emerged as a key contributor with a .394 on-base percentage and 26 home runs, leading the Brewers' qualified hitters. The team also acquired left-handed starter Shane Drohan from Boston in a February trade, adding depth to their pitching rotation.
Reviewing the BrewSeries Preview: Milwaukee Brewers @ Baltimore Orioles
The Brewers visit Baltimore this weekend with playoff implications for both teams. Milwaukee has clinched the NL Central at 95-58 and seeks the top seed in baseball, while the Orioles sit at 75-78 but remain 2.5 games behind the final AL Wild Card spot after sweeping the Mets. Both teams are dealing with significant injuries, with Milwaukee missing Brandon Woodruff and several other pitchers, while Baltimore is without Jackson Holliday, Luis Robert Jr., and multiple arms including Félix Bautista. The Brewers feature Jake Bauers with 26 homers and Jackson Chourio approaching a 20-20 season, while the Orioles are led by Pete Alonso's 37 homers and 102 RBIs.
Brew Crew BallYelich, Woodruff relish standing as last ones left from 2018 division champs
MLB.com BrewersBrewers' 2026 trade deadline evaluation won't be complete until October
The Milwaukee Brewers activated their final trade deadline acquisitions in September, bringing pitcher JoJo Romero and catcher Bo Naylor into the fold. Romero, who was recovering from appendix surgery when acquired, has made two appearances and performed well, striking out a batter in a clean inning during his second outing. Starter Dustin May and pitcher Antonio Senzatela have posted ERAs of 6.41 and 4.63 respectively since the deadline, continuing a pattern of new pitchers struggling early in Milwaukee. The team's true evaluation of these deadline moves will depend on their performance in October, particularly May's role as a projected postseason starter with Brandon Woodruff unlikely to return.
Reviewing the BrewUpdated Milwaukee Brewers Roster
The Milwaukee Brewers made numerous roster moves throughout late July and August 2026, including trades, injuries, and call-ups. Notable transactions included acquiring shortstop Jonathan Ornelas from the Athletics, trading for pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. from the Astros, and signing free agent pitcher Bryse Wilson. The team dealt with several injuries to key players, placing Brandon Woodruff, Kyle Harrison, and Cooper Pratt on the injured list at various points. Recent moves saw right-hander Abner Uribe activated from the injured list while pitcher Bryse Wilson was placed on the 15-day IL with a low back strain.
Brew Crew BallColeman Crow's recent Triple-A success should have Brewers considering late-season rotation change
The Brewers face rotation decisions down the stretch with Robert Gasser underperforming and Shane Drohan moving to the bullpen. Coleman Crow, a 25-year-old rookie, has posted an 18.2-inning scoreless streak in Triple-A across three consecutive starts of at least six shutout innings, making him a candidate to fill a rotation spot. Milwaukee enters a demanding 16-game stretch in 16 days against teams including the Cubs, and could use additional depth as Brandon Woodruff's return timeline of five weeks makes him unlikely to impact the regular season. The team may call up Crow in September when rosters expand or potentially demote Gasser to make room.
Reviewing the BrewBrandon Woodruff Starting Throwing Progression, Hopes To Pitch Again In 2026
Brandon Woodruff will begin a five-week throwing progression starting Wednesday, with hopes of returning to pitch for the Brewers before the 2026 season ends. Tests in early August revealed sufficient healing in his right shoulder that surgery was deemed unnecessary, reversing his mid-July announcement of season-ending surgery. Manager Pat Murphy acknowledged a low but real possibility of Woodruff contributing to a playoff run, though the pitcher hasn't thrown since July 4 and would need clearance after his rehabilitation period concludes. The Brewers' final regular-season game is September 27, meaning Woodruff would be unavailable until the postseason at the earliest.
MLB Trade RumorsBrewers' veteran Brandon Woodruff reverses course on season-ending surgery decision
Brandon Woodruff reversed his decision to have season-ending shoulder surgery after a recent scan showed unexpected healing in his anterior capsule tear. The 33-year-old Brewers pitcher will instead begin a five-week throwing program under the guidance of Dr. Keith Meister, the surgeon who performed his previous shoulder reconstruction in 2023. While a return before the postseason remains unlikely, Woodruff could potentially be available for playoff games if his rehabilitation progresses on schedule.
Reviewing the Brew