The Brewers might be getting their two-time All-Star pitcher, Brandon Woodruff, back for the postseason. Seriously, after a year battling relentless injuries, his shoulder is actually healing, and he’s already throwing out to 105 feet. This is the kind of wild twist you write home about, folks!
Injury Nightmare and a Glimmer of Hope
Woodruff was absolutely dealing this season, throwing a nasty 2.98 ERA through nine starts. But man, the injury bug hit him hard, again. He missed all of 2024, then got sidelined right before last year’s postseason. After signing a qualifying offer last offseason, he missed over a month early this year with a shoulder injury. He came back for just three starts before landing on the injured list *again* with that same shoulder issue. Everyone thought he needed season-ending surgery, but in a shocking turn, his shoulder showed real healing in just four weeks. Unbelievable, right?
The Path Back and the Bullpen Boost
That surprising healing led him to start a throwing progression, culminating in him hitting that 105-foot mark on September 15th. Now, a return in the late stages of October isn’t just a dream, it’s a real possibility. MLB.com’s Adam McCalvy reported on Wednesday that Woodruff is getting more shoulder imaging on Friday, and then he’ll meet with doctors to discuss throwing off a mound. He won’t be a starter, that’s clear. But as a bullpen arm? A veteran who’s pitched in huge games and knows how to get outs, even if his velocity isn’t what it once was? His command is still sharp, and that sub-3.00 ERA this year proves he can still be effective.
High Stakes and a Big Bet
Adding Woodruff would give the already strong Brewers bullpen a massive boost, potentially bridging one or two innings between the starter and key relievers like Aaron Ashby, Abner Uribe, and Trevor Megill. It’s a powerhouse thought! Of course, there’s a catch: Woodruff is still a ways out, and the Brewers would have to put him on their postseason roster without him getting any game action. That’s a huge risk. But this isn’t some rookie; this is the longest-tenured Brewer, a proven talent. The team would be banking on his track record and big-game resume, hoping his presence alone provides a jolt.
So, keep your eyes glued to that Friday update. This isn’t just about a pitcher coming back; it’s about a team making a massive, calculated gamble on one of their own to make a deep postseason run. What a story this could be!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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