Woodruff Returns to Brewers' World Series Roster After Comeback
Brandon Woodruff, sidelined since July with a shoulder injury, has been added to the Brewers' World Series roster despite being expected to miss the postseason.
Brandon Woodruff is back on the Milwaukee Brewers' World Series roster—months after being diagnosed with a season-ending shoulder injury. The 33-year-old right-hander, the team’s longest-tenured player, was added ahead of Game 1 against the Tampa Bay Rays, defying expectations after being slated for surgery in August [1].
Woodruff had not pitched since July 4, when he exited a start against the Arizona Diamondbacks with an inflamed right shoulder—the same arm that sidelined him for all of 2024. Initially, he was set to undergo his second surgery in four years, but imaging showed enough healing to begin a throwing program [2].
Over the next two months, he progressed through rehab, culminating in a simulated game where his fastball reached the low 90s [1]. According to [2], his velocity was reported at 92–93 mph during that session—though this figure has not been independently confirmed.
Despite the uncertainty, Brewers general manager Matt Arnold praised Woodruff’s resilience, calling him "one of the most successful, dominant big-game pitchers I've ever been around" [2]. Manager Pat Murphy acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, citing MLB rules that limit roster replacements for non-chronic injuries [1].
Woodruff’s return comes at a pivotal moment. He posted a 2.98 ERA in nine starts this season, with 47 strikeouts and 10 walks across 45 1/3 innings [1]. His presence adds veteran leadership to a young pitching staff, with teammates like Game 1 starter Jacob Misiorowski calling him "an awesome human being" [2].
The Brewers replaced right-hander Chad Patrick with Woodruff, leaving them with 13 pitchers and 13 position players. The Rays, meanwhile, kept 12 pitchers and 14 hitters [2].
What happens next? Woodruff could start or pitch in relief, depending on the game’s needs. His return is a testament to perseverance—and a gamble the Brewers are willing to take for a championship run. The story was first reported by New York Post and ESPN.
Sources
This article is based on reporting by the outlets below.
- New York Post: Brandon Woodruff makes Brewers World Series roster months after ‘season-ending’ injury
- ESPN: Brewers' Woodruff, out since July, added to World Series roster
